Keep options open on new Afghanistan

The government’s approach on the Afghanistan situation is spot on. The focus has been on evacuation of nationals and vulnerable Afghans. The government has been consulting partner countries. On Thursday, the government briefed leaders of all political parties across the spectrum on the developments. India has also leveraged its position as the president of the UN Security Council to galvanise efforts at the global stage at the UN. That the government has not rushed to either spurn or recognise the new regime in Afghanistan is, indeed, the right move.

Diplomatic recognition is the most powerful tool available to a country. India’s wait-and-watch approach to the question is the way forward. It must continue to coordinate its stance with its international partners. India must proactively ensure that Afghanistan does not become Pakistan’s strategic depth for undertaking terror activities against India nor should it become China’s storehouse for copper and rare earth minerals critical for the clean energy economy. New Delhi must work with partners such as the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Japan and the US to participate in the economic opportunities in Afghanistan and leverage it for better governance, human rights and space for women. India’s overriding priority is to ensure evacuation of all remaining Indian nationals. It should then expand the effort to facilitate safe passage for Afghans at risk. Some 15,000 persons have reached out for help.

India does not need to turn its back on its historical ties with Afghanistan or its investment in the post-2002 reconstruction, its commitment must be to peace and stability in Afghanistan. It must make it clear to the Taliban that it has the welfare of Afghans uppermost on its Afghan agenda.