India has a vital stake in Afghanistan and that explains our robust reconstruction assistance programme. Our linkages go back to antiquity. Historically, our ties have generally been very good. Indians today are the most popular foreigners in Afghanistan. There is a natural empathy between the peoples of the two countries. Moreover, it is our natural gateway to Central Asia and beyond. Should it become a breeding ground for terrorism, particularly under Pakistan’s dominance, that would naturally not be in our interest because of its geographical proximity to us and the possibility of export of terrorism to India. Finally, Afghan-Pak differences on the issue of the Durand Line and arising from Pakistan’s desire to dominate Afghanistan make it a natural ally of India. India’s non-threatening approach commends it to the Afghans and makes them look at India in a friendlier manner than Pakistan. Indians have a very major stake in Afghanistan. In fact, much more than Pakistan, which has been busy destroying the cohesion of Afghan society. India has gone a long way toward achieving its aims. The building of the Zaranj-Delaram Road which has freed Afghanistan from its exclusive dependence on Pakistan was not only a major feat, but it has also allowed the Afghan government to increase its revenues because of greater access from Iran into Afghanistan at several points. For India, linked to the Chah Bahar Port, that the Iranians are developing with Indian help, India for the first time has direct access to Central Asia for trade and energy security for a long time to come. Linkage or access to Central Asia is something that the Pakistanis and Chinese have been denying to India. India has rebuilt institutions in Afghanistan. India is the most respected country in Afghanistan as of now. Under these circumstances, regardless of what the US, Pakistan or other interested parties feel, India has to carve out its own ‘strategic space’.
Against this backdrop, the book a leap forward, apart from examining the changing trajectory of India’s policy towards Afghanistan, focuses on two particular areas of Indian intervention in Afghanistan namely Capacity building and Education. It also evaluates its importance in strengthening the Delhi- Kabul ties. Identification of factors that are aiding or blockading the functioning of these policies, have been in the purpose of this academic pursuit. Attempts have been made to reach out to the Afghan beneficiaries in both India and Afghanistan, in order to understand their perspectives, requirements and disgruntlements. This research underscores that the purpose behind India’s involvement in Afghanistan should not be defeated and thereby attempts to put forward certain steps and directions that can be adopted by Indian government in order to achieve long—lasting dividends by smooth implementation of India’s aid disbursement policy. This book apart from underlying ever—evolving Indian policy in Afghanistan provides concrete recommendations that can enhance the effectiveness of ongoing Indo- Afghanistan cooperation. In a nutshell, this book can be a interesting read not only for research scholars but also for common people, who relishes understanding India’s foreign policy vis- a vis its neighbours.
By Nilabh Krishna
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