Why in news?
The upcoming visit of US Defence Secretary to India is expected to see discussions on larger Indian role in securing Afghanistan.
What is the changing geo-politics?
- The developments in Afghanistan in the 1970s and 1980s saw the United States deepening its partnership with Pakistan to the dismay of India.
- The closer relationship of India with US since the early 2000s, however had disagreements with regard to Afghanistan.
- The recent US administration has demanded Pakistan to end its destabilising role in Afghanistan by providing safe havens to the Taliban and other terror networks.
- US has also singled out India among the neighbours of Pakistan to play a larger role in Afghanistan.
- India and US talking about collaboration in Afghanistan marks an important shift in the international relations of South Asia.
What could India's role in Afghanistan be?
- Security is today a precondition for development in Afghanistan which is fighting against the Pakistan-backed Taliban.
- India and US are aware that stronger external military support is essential for Afghanistan, for any effort on development to pay fruits.
- India has recently announced its plans to expand security assistance to Afghanistan by training police officers, as part of a UNDP project.
- The earlier fear of straining the relationship with Pakistan and the US resistance for India's role in Afghanistan are all changing now in favour of India.
- India should thus capitalise on this developing regional politics for its benefits.
- As a regional power with high stakes in stabilising its north western frontiers, Delhi will inevitably have to do more in Afghanistan.
- Finalising the talks on India-US security cooperation in Afghanistan, when the US defence secretary visit India, can help India to have a more defining role in Afghanistan.
Source: Indian Express
