Amidst the worsening situation with Pakistan and increasing tension on the border, India has emerged as the biggest support for the Taliban government of Afghanistan. In the last 20 days, India has breathed new life into Kabul-Delhi relations by giving four important reliefs to the Taliban administration.

Interestingly, all this is happening at a time when India still does not give official recognition to the Taliban government, but both the countries have started working rapidly on the strategy to bypass Pakistan.

Preparation to sideline Pakistan

India and Afghanistan have decided that both the countries will not depend on Pakistan for trade. Instead, Iran’s Chabahar Port will be used on a large scale. With this, Afghan goods will be able to reach Indian ports directly and Indian food grains and medicines will reach Kabul directly. During the visit of Afghan Trade Minister Nooruddin Azizi to Delhi, it was decided that steps would be taken soon towards regular shipping service from Chabahar, dry port at Nimroz, and easy cargo clearance at India’s Nawa Shewa Port.

1. Ambulance and humanitarian aid

India recently sent ambulances and medical aid to Afghanistan to signal that there is no compromise on humanitarian issues. The Taliban government has been struggling with the lack of medical infrastructure for a long time, and India’s help was seen as a very positive message in Kabul.

2. Embassy reopened, relations back on track

After Taliban came to power in 2021, India closed its Kabul embassy. But in the changing geopolitical environment and especially after the deterioration of Taliban’s relations with Pakistan, India has gradually reactivated the embassy. The recent visit of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki to Delhi gave further impetus to this process.

3. Air Cargo Service: A new way to the skies

Both countries have announced that the India-Afghanistan air cargo route will restart soon. After the recent military confrontation on the Pakistan-Afghan border, the Taliban government is in urgent need of Indian grains, medicines and machinery. In such a situation, air cargo is emerging as a big source of relief for them.

4. Green carpet for Indian business

Afghanistan has openly invited Indian companies and announced tax exemption for 5 years, 1% import tariff, free land, and reliable electricity supply. The Taliban administration is eagerly waiting for Indian investment in sectors like mining, agriculture, healthcare, IT, pharma and energy.