What Does The New India-Afghanistan Bonhomie Mean For Pakistan And The Region As A Whole?

This special report details the evolving dynamics of India's Afghanistan policy, marked by the visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's announcement to upgrade India's technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy signals this strategic shift. Experts, including Ambassador Vivek Katju, Dr. Tara Kartha, Major General Sanjay Meston, and Sushant Sareen, contribute to the discussion. The report contrasts India's humanitarian aid initiatives with Pakistan's recent airstrikes in Afghanistan, which occurred concurrently with Muttaqi's India visit. It examines the implications for regional geopolitics as India re-engages with the Taliban, navigating its strategic interests, including security and Afghanistan's mineral reserves, while addressing ethical considerations regarding the Taliban's human rights record. The program also analyzes Pakistan's internal challenges, such as Tehreek-e-Labeik (TLP) protests and escalating cross-border military tensions with Afghanistan, as India seeks to deepen its ties with Kabul amidst shifting regional influence.