Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
3. With a Taliban takeover now a reality in Afghanistan, India is left with limited options to protect its interests there. The time for hesitant, backchannel parleys is over and New Delhi must begin talks with Taliban as it is a strategic necessity. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint, Insights on India
Why the question:
India has always been a strong proponent of process of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. However, a collapse of the Afghan government and return of the Taliban marks the beginning of a new phase in the India-Afghanistan relationship.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the course of action India must pursue to protect its interests in Afghanistan in the wake of Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the providing context as to the paradigm shift of political power in Afghanistan and its impact on India.
Body:
In brief, using a flow chart, trace the Indo-Afghan relationship till date.
Write about the strategic interests of India in Afghanistan – India’s trade and investment, India and Afghanistan strategic partnership, India’s development portfolio in Afghanistan, gateway to Central Asia and Linkages with Iran especially the Chabahar port etc.
Next, mention how India has not held any direct talks with Taliban including during the peace talks. Suggest reasons as to why India must diplomatically engage with Taliban and incorporate new changes to his Afghan Policy. This part must be written comprehensively and must cover protecting strategic interests, the Pakistan angle, Recognition by international powers and need to be proactive in geo-politics.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward which summarises that India needs to engage in order to protect its own interests.
