Afghanistan beyond withdrawal; why Indian concerns will be ignored

Afghanistan beyond withdrawal; why Indian concerns will be ignored

On paper the Indian policy on Afghanistan is an ideal one, it can be summarized as follows,

*Continued support for democracy in Afghanistan despite failing of Karzai’s administration

*No negotiations with terrorists or those who are against women’s role in society

*Strengthening institutions for a stable Afghanistan

But, as usual Pakistan’s military general’s seem well equipped to influence the decision making process in the western democracies in their favor. A common reader may find that appalling because Pakistan’s army has been blamed, for right reasons, of playing a double game. It did not cut its support to religious outfits that are undermining peace efforts in Afghanistan.

But we have to understand that despite all else Pakistan’s generals did get involved in the war efforts against religious extremists to a certain extent. Due to its sheer size, military power and economic stability India was expected to contribute towards efforts for stability and peace in Afghanistan, after all its India who has the biggest threat from Pakistan sponsored groups working in Afghanistan. Yet India as usual, stayed away from any military contribution. Its sole contribution was development contracts for Indian companies and some training/s.

Indian government is very concerned how international community can negotiate with Taliban and abandon an unstable Afghanistan in India’s backyard. But the fact of the matter is that every nation has its own national security assessment and western democracies cannot sacrifice their young and bright soldiers for Indian security.

 Despite reports from Humans Rights Watch, Amnesty international and other human rights groups, a terrified Indian parliament cannot even talk about human rights issues in Balochistan; Whereas Pakistan openly supports and endorses pro-Pakistan Kashmiri militant groups around the globe.

India does not like Taliban in Afghanistan, but is too afraid to confront them militarily where it had an excellent opportunity to do so in the last decade. With regard to stability, democracy and empowerment of women in Afghanistan, the government of India has an excellent wish list but the problem is that they are too afraid to step in militarily. The western policy makers seem to have clearly noticed this lack of willingness on India’s part during their presence in Afghanistan.

 

It is therefore safe to assume that negotiations with Taliban will continue and Pakistan’s ISI will eventually get some sort of place on the table and a greater role in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of troops. This is less than ideal solution, Afghanistan will remain unstable under ISI influence, Pakistan’s army will continue its atrocities against Baloch people in Balochistan and Indian government will have to worry about jihadists in its backyard in Afghanistan.