The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 presents a complex web of security implications for the nations within the region, particularly for India. As Afghanistan braces for the departure of ISAF troops, concerns loom large over the potential resurgence of extremist groups, political instability, and the consequent spillover effect on neighboring countries. For India, a nation already grappling with a myriad of challenges ranging from cross-border terrorism to territorial disputes, safeguarding its strategic interests becomes imperative in the wake of this withdrawal. The vacuum created by the departure of ISAF forces could potentially embolden militant outfits operating in the region, thereby exacerbating security threats not only within Afghanistan but also reverberating across borders. Moreover, the fragile political landscape in Afghanistan raises apprehensions about the sustainability of peace efforts and the ability of the Afghan government to counter internal unrest effectively. Against this backdrop, India finds itself compelled to adopt a proactive stance to mitigate the security risks emanating from the Afghan scenario, while simultaneously safeguarding its territorial integrity and national interests. As Afghanistan stands at a critical juncture of transition, India’s strategic maneuvering assumes paramount significance in navigating the evolving security dynamics of the region.
Tag: India and its neighbourhood- relations covering sub-topics such as historic relations, Indian initiatives in neighbourhood countries and vice versa, challenges and solutions, etc.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to write about the withdrawal of ISAF from Afghanistan and India’s strategic interests in the region.
- In Body,
- Write various challenges in front of India after withdrawal of ISAF and its implication
- Try to Conclude, by writing importance of Afghanistan and way forward.
Answer:
The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1386 in 2001 authorized the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) for Afghanistan to support the Afghan Interim Authority by maintaining security in and around Kabul. The prolonged military presence in the region was met with uncertainty and questions about the fate of Afghanistan as a country. Thus the US announced the withdrawal of troops from the region.
India’s Strategic Interest in Afghanistan:
- Security Interest: Afghanistan shares a border with India, its stability is crucial for regional and domestic security and stability in both South Asia and India. India has a lot of stakes concerning security in Kashmir and in the south Asia region.
- Terrorism in the Region: Political instability and rising affection towards radical ideology is another serious concern for India’s strategic interest in countries like Bangladesh, Central Asia, Maldives, etc. The relation with Afghanistan is important for India to reduce Pakistan’s influence in the region.
- Economic Interest: India’s economic interest in the region especially politically unstable central Asian countries, which are having huge mineral resources and atomic minerals. This has been on India’s high priority list of safeguarding India’s economic interest.
- Energy Security: Energy security for India is very crucial as India’s total oil needs, 80% oil is imported, and the middle east contributes to this more than half. India is also aspiring to secure energy resources in Central Asian countries.
Challenges Faced by India:
- Inherent Complexities: The Afghan dialogue has been riddled with the presence of multiple stakeholders including the Afghan government, Taliban, Haqqani Network and various tribes existing in the region. This complicates the process due to conflicting viewpoints and divergence in opinion on the direction the dialogue process should take.
- Role of External Actors: Apart from the internal variations, Afghanistan is also under interference from various other countries including Pakistan, US, China and other actors like Pakistan’s ISI. This complicates the process with some groups pulling the peace process in different directions as per their self-interest and others intent on sabotaging the peace process by getting involved with non-state actors.
- Role of Pakistan: The international community has outlined the role of Pakistan in promoting terror groups like Taliban for meeting its own political ends. International media has criticized Pakistan for its intentions of toppling the Afghan government and installing the Taliban regime as its puppet in Afghanistan.
- Withdrawal of International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) forces: US administration has set 9/11 as the final date for its withdrawal from the territory of Afghanistan. This has increased the incidents of violence in the country with many dormant groups becoming active for reclaiming their role in the leadership of Afghanistan. This has raised concerns of Afghanistan slipping back to chaos in the absence of any forthcoming international assistance.
- Overtone of Violence: Afghan peace process has assumed violent overtones due to the constant infighting among the tribes as well as the non-state actors. This makes it difficult to conduct dialogue within Afghan society. This has been complicated by the assertiveness of Taliban which has been emboldened by the withdrawal of US forces claiming it as their victory.
- Building a Counter-narrative: Taliban has picked its targets carefully in the form of moderate politicians, Afghan security forces and school going women in the hope of building a narrative in the country. It wants to bring back the conservative culture by selectively targeting the reform-oriented persons and establishments. This needs to be countered by the international community to ensure a peaceful, reform-oriented and just society in the country.
A Progressive and stable Afghanistan can act as a connecting link between India-Central Asia, India-West Asia, and India’s further integration with Eurasia. Hence, to secure India’s strategic interest, India needs to use all the diplomatic channels. India’s diplomats are also saying that India should think about engaging with the Taliban and make sure India’s stake in Afghanistan and strategic interest should be kept intact in the region.
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