Afghanistan has been mired in conflict for over 40 years. In February of this year, the signing of the agreement between the US and Taliban marked a milestone in America’s longest war.

However, at present, as the US presence in the country is dwindling, Indian foreign policy in Afghanistan stands at a cross-road. Fear of losing in ‘the Great Game’ has led some to suggest opening a dialogue with the Taliban. Others have pointed out that talking to the Taliban will not serve any purpose since the group is closely tied to Pakistan and still maintains its linkages with the terrorist organisations. In this background, it becomes imperative to discuss the emerging scenario in Afghanistan and what the policy options are likely to be for India after the withdrawal of the US troops from the country.

In the second episode of The Bridge Project Exclusives on “India's National Security Challenges”, we talk about Afghanistan’s peace process and India’s role. We are extremely privileged to have with us Amar Sinha, a member of the National Security Advisory Board and former Ambassador to Afghanistan and Dr. Avinash Paliwal, who is a Senior Lecturer and the Deputy Director of South Asia Institute at SOAS.

In this episode, they discuss the implications of the global war on terror in Afghanistan, the ongoing peace process, Taliban 2.0, India’s policy options, and the role of regional countries.

References

1. Avinash Paliwal, "India must support its allies in Kabul", The Hindustan Times, 24 February, 2020

2. Interview, "India must not give Taliban legitimacy until it joins intra-Afghan talks, says former envoy Amar Sinha", The Hindu, 17 May, 2020

3. Book by Avinash Paliwal, "My Enemy's Enemy: India in Afghanistan from the Soviet Invasion to the US Withdrawal", Harper Collins.

4. C. Raja Mohan, "As it ponders talks with Taliban, Delhi should focus on complex geopolitics of the Pashtun lands", The Indian Express, 26 May, 2020

5. Davood Moradian, "India should play an active role in articulating and promoting a peace process in Afghanistan", The Indian Express, 27 June, 2020

Attribution:
The Bridge Project (2020), "Afghanistan's Peace Process and India's Role" (5.2), 06 Sept, 2020, URL: https://www.buzzsprout.com/921337/5313844

Research Credits:
Dr Yatharth Kachiar (Host), Navya Khanna (Host)

Music Credits:
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3918-inspired
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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