ABSTRACT

This chapter argues that Indian foreign policy in Afghanistan during the 1990s was not entirely, or necessarily, averse to engaging with pro-Pakistan. India’s relations with Afghanistan since 1947 are considered friendly, ‘strong, and based on historical and cultural links’. The term ‘engagement’, for instance, is understood as a process whereby some political entities are involved in non-coercive diplomacy and have existing channels of interaction, either covert or overt. The idea of anti-engagement, conversely, implies partisan political support to one group over the other. Most Indian activities in Afghanistan, including its aid projects are viewed from a geopolitical lens in the writings. In keeping with international reaction, India’s official policy was unambiguously opposed to the Taliban’s political and social conduct in 1996. Statements by officials actively engaged in policymaking at that time, the Ministry of External Affairs annual reports, and debates in the Lok Sabha reflect the same.