| ID | 124877 |
| Title Proper | Coping with Afghanistan's uncertain future |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Chandra, Satish |
| Publication | 2013. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | India has, over the last decade or so, been a bit player in Afghanistan, and its influence on political developments there has been marginal. Accordingly, it has been on the fringes of international consultations on Afghanistan. It is not surprising, therefore, that its bitter opposition to talks with the Taliban was ignored. In comparison, Pakistan has been a much more important player and exercised far more influence than India at regional and international fora in the evolution of policies pertaining to Afghanistan. This is partially explicable by Pakistan's extensive border with Afghanistan, age old tribal links, deep rooted linkages with the Taliban, the Haqqani group and Al Qaeda, and a long and tortured history of incessant interference in that country. India's comparative lack of influence is due to the fact that though it has been proactive in bilateral diplomacy vis-à-vis the government of Afghanistan, it has been relatively inactive in reaching out to all shades of opinion in that country, maintaining close contacts with all key external players, and devising innovative and workable strategies for restoring peace and tranquillity in Afghanistan. It is time that India sheds its comparatively reticent posture on Afghanistan and becomes more involved on issues relating to developments there, as otherwise Pakistan will retain its dominant influence, which will obviously work to our detriment. |
| `In' analytical Note | Indian Foreign Affairs Journals Vol.8, No.3; 2013: p.242-247 |
| Journal Source | Indian Foreign Affairs Journals Vol.8, No.3; 2013: p.242-247 |
| Key Words | Foreign Policy - USA ; India ; Afghanistan ; Reconstruction ; Military Strategy ; US Troops ; NATO ; European Union - EU ; Economic Reforms ; Pakistan ; Uncertain Future ; Terrorism ; Terrorist Organisations |