India Strengthens Ties with Taliban Amid Geopolitical Shifts

India’s engagement with the Taliban has evolved dramatically since the fall of Kabul in August 2021. What initially began as cautious humanitarian contacts has transformed into structured and high-level interactions. This shift signifies a calculated effort by New Delhi to re-establish its presence in Afghanistan while navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.

The most notable indicators of this transformation are the recent visits by Afghan officials to India. Between November 19 and 23, 2025, Afghan Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi visited New Delhi, following a previous visit by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi from October 9 to 16. These visits are not mere formalities; they mark the most significant Taliban-India engagement since India closed its embassy in 2021. The embassy was reopened in June 2022 as a “technical mission.”

During Muttaqi’s visit, key agreements were made to restore the Kabul mission to full embassy status, re-establish air links, and initiate collaborations in sports, healthcare, and hydroelectric projects. Azizi’s visit operationalized these agreements by activating air-freight corridors between Kabul and Delhi, as well as Kabul and Amritsar, with flights expected to commence soon. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Commerce anticipates operations will begin within two months.

India remains cautious, aiming to prevent its structured engagement from being perceived as official recognition of the Taliban. Nonetheless, both sides agreed to revive their Joint Working Group on Trade, Commerce, and Investment, along with the posting of trade officers in each other’s missions, indicating a shift beyond mere technical engagement.

India’s economic motives are also clear. Azizi aimed to increase bilateral trade, currently valued at $1 billion, back to its pre-2021 level of $1.8 billion. He presented a package of incentives for Indian investors, including a five-year tax holiday for new industries and reduced import duties. Specific sectors for cooperation identified included mining, hydropower, pharmaceuticals, and small and medium enterprises.

A significant aspect of this renewed relationship is the potential use of Iran’s Chabahar Port. Azizi encouraged India to establish shipping lines connecting Chabahar with Afghan dry ports, particularly in Nimruz province. This strategy aims to reduce Afghanistan’s reliance on Pakistan for trade, aligning with India’s long-standing goal of establishing western overland connectivity insulated from Pakistani influence.

India’s investments in Afghanistan exceed $3 billion, including infrastructure projects like the Zaranj-Delaram highway, which links to Chabahar. This historical context now serves to engage the Taliban while countering Pakistani influence, prompting some Pakistani leaders to label the Taliban as India’s proxy with benefits.

The deterioration in Pakistan-Taliban relations since 2023 has significantly influenced India’s engagement strategy. Frustrations from Islamabad regarding the Taliban’s inability to control the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ongoing border clashes have led to heightened tensions. This situation presents India with an opportunity to assert its influence in Kabul without facing ideological opposition.

India’s approach is rooted in its soft power objectives, driven by national security concerns. New Delhi remains committed to ensuring that Afghan territory does not harbor anti-India terrorist groups. The dialogues between India and the Taliban since 2022 have led to assurances from the Taliban that hostile groups will not operate within Afghanistan.

The broader context reveals that India’s pragmatic dealings with the Taliban align with the patterns observed among other major international powers. The United States, China, Russia, and the European Union have all engaged with former insurgent movements without formal recognition, primarily through economic and humanitarian channels. India is following suit while maintaining a focus on regional stability.

As India continues to leverage its historical ties and soft power, it seeks to foster development and humanitarian partnerships in Afghanistan. Initiatives in health, education, and food security are key components of this strategy. New visa systems, including medical visas restarted in April 2026, aim to enhance people-to-people connections and counter any negative perceptions stemming from past visa suspensions.

In summary, the rapprochement between India and the Taliban reflects a complex interplay of geopolitical realities. The evolving relationship is characterized by three primary pillars: economic engagement, diplomatic presence without formal recognition, and security assurances. India’s methodical approach underscores its desire to fortify its position in Afghanistan while navigating the intricate dynamics of regional power.