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Leaping forward, historically, Afghanistan has been essential to India’s foreign policy for three main reasons: its geopolitical location, its role as a regional pressure against Pakistan, and its gateway for trade between India and Central Asia. During the Cold War, India supported the Afghan monarchy and, subsequently, the Soviet-backed government, seeing these regimes as stabilising forces that balanced Pakistan’s influence.

Research Question

Leaping forward, historically, Afghanistan has been essential to India’s foreign policy for three main reasons: its geopolitical location, its role as a regional pressure against Pakistan, and its gateway for trade between India and Central Asia. During the Cold War, India supported the Afghan monarchy and, subsequently, the Soviet-backed government, seeing these regimes as stabilising forces that balanced Pakistan’s influence.
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Academic Insights

Afghanistan's strategic importance in India's foreign policy is underscored by its geopolitical location, its role as a counterbalance to Pakistan, and as a trade gateway to Central Asia, with historical ties influencing current diplomatic strategies.

  • Geopolitical Significance:

    • Afghanistan's location is pivotal for India's foreign policy, serving as a strategic point for regional influence and as a counterbalance to Pakistan's regional ambitions .
    • The triangular relationship between Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan significantly impacts South Asian geopolitics, affecting peace and stability in the region .
  • Historical and Cultural Ties:

    • Historically, India supported regimes in Afghanistan that were seen as stabilizing forces against Pakistan, such as the Afghan monarchy and the Soviet-backed government during the Cold War .
  • Current Diplomatic Strategies:

    • India's foreign policy towards Afghanistan is characterized by a soft power approach, focusing on long-term goals like energy and regional security .
    • The evolving geopolitical landscape, especially after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, presents new opportunities for India to collaborate with other regional powers like Russia .

Conclusion

Afghanistan remains a crucial element in India's foreign policy due to its strategic location and historical ties, serving as a counterbalance to Pakistan and a gateway to Central Asia, with current strategies focusing on leveraging these aspects for regional stability and security.

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