Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
4. How far do you agree with the view that engaging with the Taliban is vital for India’s approach towards Afghanistan. Explain. (250 words)
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why the question:
The article discusses the importance of engagement of India with Taliban to tackle the issues in Afghanistan.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the importance of the view that engaging with the Taliban is vital for India’s approach towards Afghanistan.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with brief background of the context of the question.
Body:
Before unpacking the costs and benefits of engaging with the Taliban, it is worth reiterating the central driver of India’s Afghanistan policy i.e., to ensure a strategic balance between Kabul and Islamabad.
The asymmetry of power between these countries notwithstanding, India wants to ensure that nationalist Afghan opinion — critical of Pakistan’s interventionism — remains alive and assertive.
This is why New Delhi persisted with its advocacy of an “Afghan-owned, Afghan-led” reconciliation process. Talking to the Taliban, then, is as much an exercise in preventing harm to India’s interests, as to gauge the depth and breadth of the group’s nationalism.
Conclusion:
Conclude with fair and balanced opinion.
