(This was originally posted in Economic Times)
India’s foreign secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, is of the opinion that the Taliban regime in Afghanistan comes with a silver lining of its own. “We can work with a dispensation that is willing to look after the interests of the Afghan people,” Shringla said during an address at the All India Management Association.
His remarks come in light of the Taliban’s seemingly ‘reasonable’ approach to world diplomacy, with the militia holding press conferences and encouraging women leaders to return to their government positions. “We have a historical relationship with the Afghan people and I think that relationship will continue to guide our thoughts and outlook,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, earlier this week, at the UNSC.
Both Shringla’s and Jaishankar’s comments could point at a working relationship with the Taliban, but the fate of it hinges on the Afghan regime’s plans to deal with Pakistani terror outfits – like the Lashkar-e-Tauba – that have been emboldened by the fall of the Ashraf Ghani-government. “India will do everything in its power to minimise adverse consequences from the regime change,” Shringla added.
