"The meetings held by the Indian delegation with Afghanistan interim Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob have been extremely productive in terms of India not only inviting Afghanistan to utilize the just-completed Chabahar Port for its trade needs but also discussions over aid and assistance. The delegation also met former President Hamid Karzai and UN representatives. This shows India's multipronged initiative while on-setting its official talks with the Taliban government," Dr. Priyanka Singh, an associate fellow at the New Delhi-based Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), told Sputnik India.
"The situation today looks in stark contrast to 2021- India's position looked extremely weakened - its diplomatic mission ceased to operate and people were evacuated in an emergency. India's vexations also stemmed from the reality of Pakistan's overbearing prominence in controlling the Taliban's state of affairs. The group as it swept power rendered all institutions of the previous regime redundant," the strategic affairs analyst highlighted.
They are now more pragmatic. There are a few signs of reduced religious dogmatism as well. Additionally, the Taliban is in search of recognition and funds to manage the country, Singh contended.
"For years India invested towards ensuring the well-being of the Afghan people. Today, India has pitched in yet again and the road to resurrect and maintain its foothold/strategic niche in Afghanistan is now wide open. From here on, India and Afghanistan can sit [down] and work on multiple issues of security and development cooperation, enhancement of trade opportunities, humanitarian assistance, and restore and strengthen more and more cultural exchanges," the expert noted.
Singh suggested that India is a regional partner that has quietly but generously contributed to Afghanistan's reconstruction.
India is willing to continue the same friendly approach at a time when big powers like the US have chosen to withdraw funds, while any help from the Chinese side has been suboptimal. At this point, the Taliban is looking for reliable, long-term, sustainable partnerships, which only India seems to be seriously willing to offer, she asserted.
Meanwhile, Dr. Shalini Chawla, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS) believes that the recent talks are a continuation of India's commitment to the Afghan people and that New Delhi intends to continue to extend humanitarian assistance to Kabul.
She explained that India has been keen to address the instability in Afghanistan and safeguard its security and strategic interests, ensuring that Afghan soil is not used by anti-India terror groups.
"The Taliban's cooperation with India brings humanitarian and diplomatic advantages that can help stabilise Afghanistan and diversify its foreign relations. This means the Taliban's interest in developing trade routes, securing humanitarian support, and balancing regional influences aligns well with what India can offer, even as both navigate the complexities of their historical and political ties," Khoreishi told Sputnik India.