The Myth Of Afghanistan-India Border: Exploring The Geopolitical Divide

Afghanistan and India do not share a common border. Afghanistan is bordered by Pakistan, Iran, and China. The Durand Line, established in 1893, is the internationally recognised border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, Afghanistan does not recognise this border.

The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir borders Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which shares a border with Afghanistan.

Afghanistan and Pakistan share the Durand Line border

The Durand Line has been described as one of the most dangerous borders in the world from a geopolitical and geostrategic perspective. It runs through the heart of Pashtun tribes, who share family ties, religion, and traditions. The Durand Line cuts through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan, and several provinces in Afghanistan, including Nimroz, Helmand, Kandahar, and Badakhshan.

The Durand Line has been a source of tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan due to its impact on the Pashtun people, who are divided between the two countries. The Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan and have a significant presence in northwestern Pakistan. The Durand Line has also been disputed by Afghanistan, which has refused to recognise it as the official border.

Pakistan has taken steps to secure the Durand Line, including the construction of a fence along the border, which has further escalated tensions with Afghanistan. The fence has physically split communities and restricted the freedom of movement for locals.

Afghanistan and India do not share a common border

The Durand Line, established in 1893, acts as the international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. This border, which runs for 2,611 kilometres, was established by Mortimer Durand, a British diplomat, and Abdur Rahman Khan, the Emir of Afghanistan, to improve diplomatic relations and trade. The Durand Line was inherited by Pakistan following its independence in 1947.

Despite this, Afghanistan has never formally recognised the Durand Line as its international border with Pakistan. Sardar Mohammed Daoud Khan, former president of Afghanistan, vigorously opposed the border, launching a propaganda war. In 2017, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai stated that Afghanistan would "never recognise" the Durand Line.

The Wakhan Corridor in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan separates the country from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and, thus, from India. This corridor is approximately 140 miles long and between 10-40 miles wide.

While India does not share a direct border with Afghanistan, the two countries have maintained diplomatic relations and share cultural ties. Afghanistan is known for its fine fruits, particularly pomegranates, grapes, and sweet jumbo-sized melons, which it exports to India.

The Wakhan Corridor separates Afghanistan from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

The Wakhan Corridor is a narrow strip of territory located within the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan. It is approximately 140 miles long and between 10-40 miles wide. The corridor separates Afghanistan from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. It also shares borders with China and Tajikistan.

The corridor was formed after an 1893 agreement between Mortimer Durand of the British Raj and Emir Abdur Rahman Khan of Afghanistan, creating the Durand Line. This narrow strip acted as a buffer zone between the Russian Empire and the British Empire. The Durand Line established Afghanistan as a buffer zone between British and Russian interests in the region.

The Wakhan Corridor has long been involved in geopolitics. It has served as an important conduit on the Silk Road, facilitating trade between China and ancient Rome. More recently, the corridor has been a site of interest for China, which has begun constructing a road through the corridor to connect with the Karakoram Highway. This has raised concerns in India, as increased Chinese military involvement in the region will give it another outpost near India's borders.

The Wakhan Corridor is of immense strategic value. It provides access to Central Asian markets and separates several geopolitical conflicts, including those between Russia and China, China and the West, and India and Pakistan.

Afghanistan is northwest of India

The Durand Line cuts through the Pashtunistan region, inhabited by the indigenous Pashtun people since ancient times. The Durand Line has been a source of tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Afghanistan refusing to recognise it as the official border.

The Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province separates the country from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which India claims as part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This corridor is strategically important as it provides India with access to Afghanistan and Central Asian markets.

While Afghanistan and India do not share a direct land border, they are connected by a maritime boundary. The two countries have also historically enjoyed friendly relations and continue to engage in extensive trade. Afghanistan exports fine fruits, textiles, carpets, and handicrafts to India.

Afghanistan and India have been friends for a long time

Afghanistan and India have shared a long history of cultural exchange and diplomatic relations. Afghanistan is situated in the northwest of India and is considered a close neighbour.

Afghanistan and India's relationship dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Vedic Age, when the region was considered a part of Vedic India. The two countries have also shared cultural ties through Bollywood and cricket.

Afghanistan and India's diplomatic relations have been influenced by the partition of British India, the Soviet-Afghan War, the Taliban government, and the US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

In recent years, India has been a key supporter of Afghanistan's reconstruction and development efforts, providing humanitarian and economic aid. India has also helped rebuild infrastructure projects, such as the Salma Dam, the Afghan Parliament building, and the Zaranj-Delaram Highway.

The two countries have also collaborated on strategic and military cooperation against Islamic militants. India has provided training and equipment to Afghan security forces and has sought to improve transportation links to reduce Afghanistan's economic dependence on Pakistan.

Despite periods of tension and instability, Afghanistan and India have maintained a strong relationship based on historical and cultural links. India continues to be a significant regional partner in Afghanistan's development and reconstruction efforts.

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