The alliance of Pakistan and China against India has been active for a long time. This jugalbandi is clearly visible in the affairs of Afghanistan also. India had not yet found a place in a special group formed on Afghanistan, which includes Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran. However, now this equation has been challenged by Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has advocated the inclusion of India in this group.
Russia’s stance: Emphasis on India’s participation
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that it is very important that mutual trust among the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is further strengthened. He made it clear that including India in the group formed on the issue of Afghanistan would be the right step.
Why is India’s role important?
- India has long been playing an important role in development projects and humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.
- India’s stance towards the Taliban government has softened, and dialogue between the two countries has improved in recent years.
- Beyond the strategies of Pakistan and China, India’s presence can help bring stability and balance.
Increasing closeness between India and Afghanistan
Recently, a meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister was held in Dubai. In this meeting, India assured that it is fully committed to helping Afghanistan.
India’s commitments:
- Cooperation to provide relief to refugees in Afghanistan.
- Economic and technical contribution to development projects.
- Help to refugees sent by Pakistan to Afghanistan.
Since this meeting, the emphasis on India’s involvement in Afghanistan has further increased. Especially when relations between Taliban and Pakistan have become tense.
Pakistan-Afghanistan’s deteriorating relations
Pakistan, which was considered a traditional partner of Afghanistan, is now in conflict with the Taliban government.
- Pakistan has recently even carried out air strikes in Afghanistan.
- The Taliban government has called this action an open attack.
- Pakistan considers the growing friendship between India and Afghanistan as against itself.
Afghanistan Quad: Why was India left out?
The group called Afghanistan Quad includes Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran. The group came to the fore at a meeting held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in November.
- Defense Minister Muhammad Asif from Pakistan, Wang Yi from China, and Syed Abbas Araghchi from Iran were present in this meeting.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has now raised the demand to include India in this group.
Why was India kept out?
- Pakistan and China do not want India to play any role in the affairs of Afghanistan.
- China and Pakistan believe that India’s presence will be against their interests.
- Both countries want to maintain their influence on Afghanistan.
SCO’s inactive group sidelined
There is already a contact group of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Afghanistan, in which India is also a member.
- But after Taliban came to power in 2021, this group became inactive.
- China and Pakistan bypassed SCO and formed a separate group.
- The aim of this group is to keep India out and increase its influence on Afghanistan.
Russia’s dissenting stance
Russia does not agree that India should be kept out of Afghanistan’s affairs. Russia has supported India’s role, calling it important.
Why does Russia’s support matter to India?
The support of Russia, which plays a strong role in Afghanistan and Central Asia, could prove to be a major strategic win for India.
- India and Russia have historically strong relations.
- The influence of China and Pakistan can be balanced with the support of Russia.
- India will gain greater acceptance and importance in global and regional affairs.
What can change the equation?
If Russia uses its veto and India is included in this group, it will be a big blow to the plans of Pakistan and China.
- India’s participation can give a new direction to the development and stability of Afghanistan.
- The monopoly of China and Pakistan will be challenged.
- India’s positive image in Afghanistan will be further strengthened.
