5 things to know about India’s first official contact with the Taliban

Indian envoy to Qatar met with a representative of the Taliban in Doha on Tuesday
Among the issues discussed were safety, security and return of Indians
Here's a look at the political and geostrategic importance of the meeting between the two countries

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Updated: August 31 2021 05:30:10 PM ET New Delhi, Delhi, India

Keen on building their international image and to shed the ghosts of their previous rule of the 90s, the Taliban on Tuesday reached out to India, seeking a meeting. Making its first official contact with the militant fighters on behalf of India was the country’s Ambassador in Qatar, Deepak Mittal.

The meeting –between Mittal and Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the Head of Taliban’s Political Office — took place at the Indian embassy in Doha. Among the things discussed were issues of safety, security, return of Indians from Afghanistan and permission for Afghan nationals, especially minorities, who wish to visit India.

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The meeting was preceded by positive statements from Stanekzai, who has received his military training in India. He said India is “very important for this subcontinent” and his group wants to continue Afghanistan’s “cultural”, “economic”, “political” and “trade ties’ ‘ with India. After their takeover of Afghanistan, the Taliban spokespersons Suhail Shaheen and Zabiullah Mujahid have also spoken on relations with India.

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So, what is the larger message from this meeting? Let’s take a look:

1. India’s primary concern is terrorism. Ambassador Mittal aired India’s concern that Afghanistan soil could be used for anti-India activities and terrorism. The Taliban representative assured the Ambassador that they would address the issue ‘positively’,” the MEA said.

2. India’s biggest apprehension is that militant groups active in Kashmir may receive support from Taliban or its factions, directly or indirectly.

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3. The second concern is the growing influence of Pakistan’s ISI, Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate, on the Taliban, particularly the Haqqani group. Coupled with this is Taliban’s heavy reliance on Pakistan and Islamabad’s efforts to keep India out of any talks on the trouble-torn country.

4. India, which has heavy investments in Afghanistan, needs to stay connected with the Taliban. During the last Taliban stint from 1996-2001, India along with Russia and Iran supported the Northern Alliance that was involved in an armed resistance against them.

5. Thus India needs to quickly reposition its diplomatic stand by staying connected — directly and indirectly through allies, working on investments and encouraging people to people contact through trainings etc, says a study paper on carnegieendowment.org.