Introduction
On Sunday, a significant diplomatic event unfolded as India joined 24 other nations in the third United Nations-led conference on Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar. This conference marked a pivotal moment in international relations, as it was the first time the Taliban, currently ruling Afghanistan, participated in talks at an international level since their return to power.
EAM S Jaishankar meets Qatar's PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha. Source: X/ @DrSJaishankar
India's Participation and Diplomatic Moves
India's representation at the conference was multifaceted. While External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Doha to meet with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, India's presence at the UN meeting itself was through J P Singh, Joint Secretary of the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran (PAI) division in the Ministry of External Affairs.
J P Singh's involvement is particularly noteworthy, given his visit to Kabul in March 2024, where he engaged in meetings with Taliban leaders. This prior interaction underscores India's cautious approach to dealing with the Taliban regime, balancing humanitarian concerns with security interests.
Jaishankar's Productive Visit to Doha
During his day-long visit to Qatar, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held substantive talks with Qatar's leadership. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors and addressing key regional challenges. Jaishankar himself highlighted the breadth of these talks in a social media post, stating, "We reviewed our bilateral relationship focusing on political, trade, investment, energy, technology, culture and people-to-people ties."
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern. Notably, Jaishankar appreciated the insights shared by his Qatari counterpart on the ongoing situation in Gaza, indicating the broad scope of their diplomatic dialogue.
This visit builds upon the momentum created by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Qatar on February 14-15, 2024, during which he held discussions with Qatar's Amir H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The continuity in high-level engagements underscores the importance India places on its relationship with Qatar and its role in regional affairs.
The Taliban's Rare International Appearance
One of the most significant aspects of the conference was the participation of a Taliban delegation from Afghanistan. This marked a rare instance of the Taliban engaging in international dialogue since their return to power. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Afghan government spokesperson and head of the five-member Taliban delegation, emphasized their commitment to positive engagement despite existing considerations.
Mujahid's statement at the opening session highlighted the Taliban's view of the Doha meeting as a crucial opportunity for constructive dialogue. He specifically mentioned the need to discuss unilateral and multilateral sanctions imposed on Taliban officials and Afghanistan's financial and banking sectors, as well as broader challenges facing the national economy.
International Community's Dilemma
The Taliban's participation in the conference underscores the complex challenges facing the international community in its approach to Afghanistan's new rulers. Since taking power, the Taliban government in Kabul has not been officially recognized by any other government. This lack of recognition stems largely from the Taliban's imposition of a strict interpretation of Islam, particularly concerning women's rights. The UN has characterized the laws affecting women under Taliban rule as "gender apartheid."
India joins UN's Doha meet on Afghanistan attended by Taliban | TOI
The decision to include Taliban representatives in this round of talks, while excluding civil society groups (who will meet separately with representatives on Tuesday), has sparked controversy. This approach represents a shift from previous UN-led talks, where the Taliban were either excluded or declined to participate due to disagreements over representation.
Criticism and Concerns
The sidelining of civil society organizations, especially women's rights groups, has provoked significant outcry. Agnes Callamard, head of Amnesty International, warned that acquiescing to the Taliban's conditions for participation risked legitimizing their "gender-based institutionalized system of oppression." In response to these concerns, Taliban foreign ministry official Zakir Jalaly maintained that any meetings taking place after Monday were "unrelated" to the official agenda. This stance highlights the ongoing tensions between the Taliban's desire for international engagement and the global community's concerns about human rights and inclusive governance in Afghanistan.
India's Strategic Interests in Afghanistan
India's participation in the conference and its ongoing engagement with Afghanistan are driven by several strategic interests:
1. Securing Investments and Humanitarian Efforts:
India has been a significant contributor to Afghanistan's development, with involvement in nearly 500 projects across all 34 provinces. These projects span various sectors, including power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, and agriculture. With an investment exceeding $3 billion, India aims to safeguard these contributions while ensuring continued support for Afghanistan's development.
2. Counterterrorism as a Top Priority:
India's foremost concern is ensuring that Afghan territory is not used as a safe haven for terrorists or for financing terrorist activities. This concern is particularly focused on groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, which are proscribed by the UN Security Council. India consistently emphasizes that instability in Afghanistan poses a significant threat to regional security, underscoring the need for collective action against terrorism.
3. Regional Stability and Influence:
By engaging in diplomatic efforts concerning Afghanistan, India seeks to maintain its influence in the region and contribute to overall stability. This approach aligns with India's broader foreign policy objectives of being a responsible regional power and a key player in global affairs.
The Broader International Context
The Doha conference reflects the international community's ongoing struggle to find an effective approach to engaging with Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Many governments, international organizations, and aid agencies have either cut off or severely scaled back their funding to Afghanistan in response to the Taliban's return to power. This reduction in support has dealt a serious blow to Afghanistan's already struggling economy.
The dilemma faced by the international community is succinctly captured by Hameed Hakimi, an Afghanistan expert at Chatham House, who notes: "On the one hand, there's a humanitarian situation that requires funding, on the other hand you can't alleviate the humanitarian situation without the political engagement." This complex situation has led to a cautious approach by many countries, including India. While there is genuine concern over issues such as women's rights and the role of civil society in Afghanistan, there is also a recognition that engagement with the Taliban may be necessary to address these concerns effectively.
Conclusion
The third UN-led conference on Afghanistan in Doha represents a significant moment in international diplomacy, highlighting the complex challenges facing the global community in its engagement with Afghanistan. India's participation, along with its bilateral engagements with Qatar, underscores its commitment to playing a constructive role in regional affairs while safeguarding its strategic interests. As the international community continues to grapple with the realities of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the balance between humanitarian concerns, security interests, and diplomatic engagement remains delicate. The outcome of this conference and subsequent interactions will likely shape the trajectory of Afghanistan's international relations and internal development in the coming years.
For India, the path forward involves a careful calibration of its approach, maintaining its commitment to Afghanistan's development and regional stability while addressing critical security concerns. As the situation evolves, India's role as a key regional player and its ability to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape will be crucial in shaping the future of Afghanistan and the broader South Asian region.
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