Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
4. India, as a regional leader, must review its “hands-off” approach to the people of Afghanistan who have clearly suffered many deprivations in the past year. Do you think that India must curtail engagement with Afghanistan as long as the repressive regime is in place? Critically analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
In its latest outrageous decision, the Taliban regime has announced a ban on female students studying in universities. The “cabinet” meeting decision is one in a series that wipes out the many societal gains since 2001, the last time the Taliban was in power. These decrees include banning Afghan schoolgirls from studying above grade six, job restrictions and a ban on women at gyms and public parks, with public floggings for those travelling without male relatives chaperoning them.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the course of action India must pursue to protect its interests in Afghanistan and while protecting rights of Afghans as a regional leader.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
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, in detail, write about the progress of Indo-Afghan relations since Taliban takeover and India’s various responses to it.
Next, in the wake of new restrictions in Afghanistan, mention the nature of engagement India should have with Afghanistan a reginal leader.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward which summarises that India needs to engage in order to protect its own interests and uphold interests of Afghans.
