India’s Hypocrisy on Afghanistan Laid Bare
India has always shown itself to be a great power and a “close friend” of Afghanistan, but the reality is opposite. After the Taliban came to power, India’s policy became more duplicitous. Sometimes she refuses to recognize the Taliban, sometimes she establishes secret contacts. The recent incident, when Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India was cancelled, it exposed India’s hypocrisy.
Diplomatic opportunity for India in recent past
The expected visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India would have been a historic occasion. This would have been the first time a top Taliban leader would have come to India since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. But the opportunity was lost. This cancellation is actually a sign of India’s own weakness and duplicitous policy.
Since Amir Khan Muttaqi is subject to UN sanctions dating back to 1988, his trip required Security Council approval. India initially applied for the waiver but withdrew its request when it saw potential opposition from Western countries.
Despite this, Indian media and officials propagated that Pakistan, which is currently the chairman of the committee, blocked this permission. It was an open lie. The fact is that India went back on its own proposal and blamed Pakistan.
Pakistan’s response over India’s recent action
Blaming Pakistan was actually an attempt to hide India’s cowardice. Pakistan has not commented on the issue. India took the step back on its own to avoid Western opposition and then put the burden of its failure on Pakistan. It was a dreary retreat which India tried to wrap under the cloak of “oppression”.
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Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to Pakistan last month was also not possible due to US opposition. But the difference is that Pakistan tried to stand its ground despite the pressure, while India retreated before taking the field. This attitude of India has made it clear that it does not have an independent policy towards Afghanistan.
India’s secret and suspicious connections with Taliban
India publicly speaks of distancing itself from the Taliban, but tries hard to build relations with the Taliban behind the scenes.
- Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Amir Khan Muttaqi have spoken by telephone twice this year, the latest on September 1.
- India provided aid to earthquake victims in Afghanistan and presented itself as a “sympathizer,” though the real objective is to establish its influence in Kabul.
- The real reason for India’s strategy is the growing influence of China. Beijing has been increasing investment and political contacts in Afghanistan, and India fears it will be left behind.
India’s dual role in the community
India’s policy is clear. He gives the impression to the West that he has nothing to do with the Taliban. In Kabul, it tries to reassure the Taliban that India wants to establish a “working relationship”. This double game of India has now been exposed in front of everyone. Blaming Pakistan after withdrawing its own application is a sign that India does not have the courage. NOT the truth.
India often presents itself as a “regional power” and a “global player,” but when the practical opportunity comes, it hides behind the technical constraints of the United Nations, the appeasement and pseudo-narratives of the West.
The cancellation of Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit is proof that India is not independent in its policies. She could not stand on his own initiative and then tried to defame Pakistan by fabricating lies.
Recent facts and figures
- India’s influence in Afghanistan has almost ended after the Taliban’s rule. Its consulates and projects are mostly inactive.
- China signed multi-billion-dollar deals with Afghanistan in 2024, including oil, gas and mining projects.
- Pakistan, Qatar and Turkey are engaged in direct talks with the Taliban.
- India does not recognize the Taliban. No open opposition. This “middle way” is actually impractical and weak.
This whole issue has made the reality of India clear. Pakistan has exposed India’s weakness in front of the world without saying anything. India could neither keep its promises nor stand by its policies. He lied to hide his failure. The fact is that India’s position in Afghanistan is not only weak but duplicitous.
The cancellation of Amir Khan Muttaqi’s recent visit to India exposed India’s hypocrisy and cowardice. India’s confidential connections on the one hand and public denials on the other show its twofold face on global level. Similarly India advocates for both the pleasure for the West as well as assurances for Kabul in its dual diplomatic policies. But in the end, India could not stick to its policy and tried to hide its weakness by blaming Pakistan. This duplicitous policy of India is damaging its reputation not only in Afghanistan but also on the world stage. The world is seeing that India is not a “regional power” but a country that is not independent in its policy. On the other side, Pakistan has proved that true strength lies in truth and perseverance.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform.
