The Complex Dynamics Of Afghanistan-India Relations: Friends Or Foes?

India and Afghanistan have historically shared close cultural and political ties. Afghanistan holds strategic importance for India as it seeks friendly allies in the region and because it is a gateway to energy-rich Central Asian states. India has been one of Afghanistan's major developmental partners and has earned the goodwill of Afghans. It has provided humanitarian and reconstruction aid, and has also been involved in several development projects in Afghanistan. India's soft power is considered its greatest asset in Afghanistan, with Indian television soaps and films being very popular in the country.

However, India's growing influence in Afghanistan has angered Pakistan, which views it as a threat to its interests in the region. Pakistan and Afghanistan have historically been rivals, and the two countries have fought over Afghanistan directly and indirectly for decades. Pakistan supported the Taliban to ensure that in the event of conflict with India, Afghanistan would provide support and use of its land and airspace.

The Taliban's recent efforts to strengthen relations with India, including defence ties, have raised eyebrows in Pakistan, which does not want to see a New Delhi-friendly Kabul due to its own security concerns. The Taliban's desire to pursue both material and ideological interests has created an undesirable equation toward regional security and peace, and has posed problems for the group's desire to forge sustainable long-term relationships with its neighbours.

India's humanitarian and financial aid to Afghanistan

India has been one of the largest providers of humanitarian and financial aid to Afghanistan. Since 2001, India's development efforts in Afghanistan have been divided into four categories: humanitarian assistance, major infrastructure projects, small and community-development projects, and education and capacity development.

Humanitarian assistance has included the provision of high-protein biscuits to nearly 2 million children, the supply of 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat, free medical consultation and medicines to 30,000 Afghans monthly, the provision of vehicles for local governance purposes, and the construction of five public toilet and bathhouse complexes in Kabul. India has also provided relief material to Afghanistan following the 2022 earthquake that killed over 1,000 people.

In terms of infrastructure, India has constructed the Zaranj-Delaram highway, the Pul-e-Khumri transmission line, the Salma dam, the Afghan parliament building, and the Afghan-India Friendship Dam (also known as the Salma Dam). India has also helped rebuild infrastructure such as roads, dams, electricity transmission lines and substations, solar panels, schools, and hospitals.

India has also supported small and community-development projects in Afghanistan, focusing on local ownership and management in agriculture, education, rural development, health, vocational training, and solar energy.

In the education and capacity development domain, India has reconstructed the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health and the Habibia School, provided 500 annual scholarships, offered 500 training scholarships to Afghan public servants, and deputed 20 Indian public servants to provide training and mentorship. India has also provided vocational support to Afghan women and youth and capacity building in media and information, civil aviation, agricultural research and education, healthcare and medicinal science, tourism, education, standardization, rural development, public administration, electoral management and administration, and local governance.

In addition to these efforts, India has also provided financial aid to Afghanistan. As of 2023, India had invested nearly $3 billion in aid and reconstruction activities in the country. This includes infrastructural works like the construction of Afghanistan's Parliament, the Salma Dam, schools and hospitals, power stations, and stadiums, as well as material and financial support like shipments of wheat and pulses, and medicines.

India's aid and assistance programs in Afghanistan have contributed to the goodwill that the country enjoys among Afghans. However, there has been a lack of critical assessment of the tangible impact of Indian aid with respect to Afghanistan's security and development priorities. As the political, security, and economic situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve, it is important for India to assess its approach to the country and ensure that its aid programs are aligned with Afghanistan's needs and priorities.

India's soft power in Afghanistan

Cultural Influence:

India's cultural influence in Afghanistan is significant, with Indian television serials, movies, and cricket gaining immense popularity. Indian soap operas, dubbed in local languages, are regularly watched by millions of Afghans, even in the most war-torn areas. Bollywood movies, with their larger-than-life portrayals and themes of fighting injustice, have created a sense of kinship and friendship among Afghans. Additionally, the shared passion for cricket has further strengthened the bond, with Afghans celebrating India's victories over Pakistan.

Development Assistance:

India has been a major development partner in Afghanistan, contributing over $3 billion in aid. It has undertaken numerous infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Afghan Parliament building, the Salma Dam, and the Delaram-Zaranj Highway. India has also focused on education, providing scholarships to Afghan students and building schools. Additionally, India has supported the Afghan government and promoted nation-building through economic investments and capacity development.

People-to-People Connections:

India's development cooperation has fostered greater people-to-people contact. Medical tourism has become a significant aspect, with many Afghans travelling to India for treatment due to the lack of adequate facilities in their country. India's liberal visa policies and welcoming approach to Afghan patients have further strengthened these ties. Additionally, the shared history and cultural links, highlighted by Afghan vice-president Mohammad Sarwar Danish, provide a foundation for friendly relations.

Strategic Advantage:

However, it is important to note that India's soft power alone may not be sufficient to protect its interests in Afghanistan, especially with the changing political scenario under the Taliban regime. A combination of soft power and strategic use of hard power may be necessary for India to maintain its influence and achieve its goals in the region.

India's involvement in Afghanistan's infrastructure projects

India has been involved in numerous infrastructure projects in Afghanistan as part of its rebuilding efforts in the country. Here is a list of some of the major projects:

• Afghanistan Parliament: India built the Afghan Parliament in Kabul at a cost of USD 90 million. The building was inaugurated in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a gift from India.
• Salma Dam: Officially known as the Afghan-India Friendship Dam, this dam is located in Herat Province and provides irrigation water and electricity to thousands of families. It was inaugurated in 2016 and is India's most expensive infrastructure project in Afghanistan in recent years.
• Zaranj-Delaram Highway: This 218-kilometre highway, built by India, is strategically important as it provides an alternative route into landlocked Afghanistan through Iran's Chabahar port.
• Stor Palace: India assisted in the restoration of the historic Stor Palace in Kabul, which was inaugurated in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Afghanistan.
• Indira Gandhi Institute for Child Health: India reconstructed this children's hospital in Kabul, which was first built in 1985 but later damaged due to war. It is now one of the best public healthcare facilities for children in Afghanistan.
• Power Infrastructure: India has helped rebuild power infrastructure in Afghanistan, including the 220kV DC transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul, improving electricity supply to the capital.
• Transportation: India has provided various vehicles to Afghanistan, including buses for urban transportation, military vehicles for the Afghan National Army, ambulances for public hospitals, and aircraft for the national airline.
• Schools and Hospitals: India has constructed numerous schools and hospitals across Afghanistan, contributing to the country's education and healthcare sectors.
• Cricket Stadium: India built a cricket stadium in Kandahar, reflecting its shared cultural interest in the sport.
• Water Infrastructure: India has been involved in water infrastructure projects, such as rehabilitating water reservoirs and establishing toilet and sanitation complexes in Kabul.
• Shahtoot Dam: India has committed to constructing the Shahtoot Dam in Kabul, which will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents.
• Community Development: India has undertaken numerous community development projects, including vocational training institutes, scholarships, mentoring programs, and training for various professions.

India's diplomatic relations with Afghanistan

India and Afghanistan have a long history of diplomatic relations, which can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. The two countries established a "Treaty of Friendship" in 1950, and have since shared cultural ties through Bollywood and cricket.

History of India-Afghan Relations

The people of modern-day India and Afghanistan have had contact since the days of the Indus Valley Civilisation. In 305 BCE, Alexander the Great's successor, Seleucus Nicator, controlled most of Afghanistan before ceding much of it to the Mauryan Empire as part of an alliance treaty.

From the 10th century to the mid-18th century, northern India was invaded by several groups based in what is now Afghanistan, including the Ghaznavids, Ghurids, Khaljis, Suris, Mughals, and Durranis. During these invasions, many Afghans began immigrating to India due to political instability in their regions.

Post-Independence

Since gaining independence in 1947, India has sought to establish its presence in Afghanistan. In 1950, the two countries signed a "Treaty of Friendship", affirming "everlasting peace and friendship" and allowing for the establishment of diplomatic and consular posts in each other's territories.

Soviet Invasion and Taliban Regime

India was the only South Asian nation to recognise the Soviet-backed Democratic Republic of Afghanistan and the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. This led to strained relations with the US, which opposed the Soviet invasion. During the 1990s Afghan Civil War and the Taliban government, India's relations with Afghanistan diminished. India aided in the overthrow of the Taliban and became the largest regional provider of humanitarian and reconstruction aid to Afghanistan.

21st Century

In 2001, India offered intelligence and logistical support to the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, and established diplomatic relations with the newly established civilian government. India has since participated in relief and reconstruction efforts, committing over $3 billion for development in Afghanistan.

In 2005, India proposed Afghanistan's membership in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which was approved in 2007. In 2011, the two countries signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement, strengthening their relations and providing for assistance in rebuilding Afghanistan's infrastructure, education, and technical capacity.

Recent Developments

Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, India has not recognised the new regime, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and has evacuated its embassy in Kabul. However, India has provided humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including medical supplies and wheat, and has engaged in diplomatic contacts with the Taliban.

India and Afghanistan have historically shared strong bilateral ties, and both countries are part of several regional partnerships. While recent developments have complicated their relationship, India remains committed to supporting Afghanistan's efforts towards peace, stability, and development.

India's military involvement in Afghanistan

India has no history of military intervention in Afghanistan, instead focusing on soft power and people-to-people connections. However, India has been a key supporter of the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance and has provided military training to Afghan security forces. India has also supplied the Afghan forces with three helicopters.

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