India-Afghanistan political history

‫بھارت افغانستان تعلقات سیاسی تاریخ‬

भारत अफगानिस्ताि संबध
ं राजिीनतक इनतहास
Presented by

• Harsh Agarwal 21Sahs1050013

• Vanshika Singh 21sahs1050003
• Mohit Goyal 21sahs1050004

Presented to
Dr. Subal Kumar Bagh
Assistant professor
Political science
 Introduction
Afghanistan’s history is a complex tapestry
woven with threads of ancient civilizations,
invasions, and conflicts. Situated at the
crossroads of Asia, Afghanistan has been
influenced by various empires and cultures
throughout the ages. From the rise of the Persian
Empire to the spread of Buddhism and Islam,
the region has witnessed a rich interplay of
cultural, religious, and political forces. However,
it has also been marred by periods of instability,
including foreign invasions and internal
conflicts, shaping its trajectory into the modern
era.
Political history of
Afghanistan
Prior to the Soviet invasion in 1979, Afghanistan boasted a rich
tapestry of cultural and historical legacies, owing to its strategic
location along the ancient Silk Road. This era witnessed the rise
and fall of numerous dynasties and empires, including the
Ghaznavids and the Timurids, contributing to the country’s
diverse cultural heritage.
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 marked the
beginning of a turbulent period for the nation. The intervention
aimed to prop up the communist government, triggering a
decade-long conflict that ravaged the country and resulted in
significant civilian casualties. The Afghan resistance, known as
the Mujahideen, received support from the United States,
Pakistan, and other countries, leading to a protracted and
devastating conflict.
Withdrawal of USSR
The withdrawal of Soviet forces in 1989 left Afghanistan
grappling with political instability and internal strife. Amid the
power vacuum, the Taliban emerged as a formidable force in
the mid-1990s, imposing a strict interpretation of Islamic law
and gaining control over much of the country. The Taliban’s
oppressive regime led to widespread international
condemnation and isolation, exacerbating Afghanistan’s already
dire humanitarian situation.
After us invasion
The post-9/11 era ushered in a new phase of Afghanistan’s
history with the US-led invasion in 2001. The swift overthrow
of the Taliban regime promised a fresh start for the war-torn
nation, with efforts focused on rebuilding institutions,
promoting democracy, and fostering stability. However, the
subsequent years have been marred by ongoing violence,
insurgency, and political instability, despite significant
international assistance and efforts to broker peace with the
Taliban. Afghanistan continues to navigate a precarious path
towards peace and development, grappling with the legacies of
its tumultuous past while striving for a brighter future.
 India relations with Afghanistan
• Ancient Ties: India and Afghanistan share a long history of cultural,
economic, and political exchanges dating back over two millennia.
Trade routes such as the Silk Road facilitated this interaction, fostering
the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between the two regions.
• Buddhist Connections: Afghanistan was a significant center of
Buddhism, and historical evidence suggests that Indian Buddhist
monks traveled to Afghanistan to spread their teachings. The famous
Gandhara region, located in present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, was
a hub of Buddhist art and culture.
• Medieval Period: During the medieval period, India and Afghanistan
maintained diplomatic relations through various dynasties such as the
Mauryas, Kushans, and Gupta Empire. These interactions included
trade, cultural exchanges, and occasional conflicts
Mughal Influence: The Mughal Empire,
which ruled over much of the Indian
subcontinent from the 16th to the 18th
centuries, extended its influence into parts
of Afghanistan. Kabul, the capital of
Afghanistan, was briefly under Mughal rule
during the reign of Emperor Babur.
British Colonial Era: In the 19th century,
Afghanistan became a buffer state between
British India and the Russian Empire. The
Great Game, a geopolitical rivalry between
the two empires, shaped Afghanistan’s
foreign policy and led to diplomatic
engagements with India.
Post-Independence Relations: Following India’s independence in
1947 and Afghanistan’s independence in 1919, the two nations
established diplomatic relations. India supported Afghanistan’s
development efforts and provided assistance in various sectors,
including education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Ties in the Cold War Era: During the Cold War, India and
Afghanistan maintained cordial relations, with India supporting
Afghanistan’s non-alignment stance. However, the Soviet
invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and subsequent events strained
relations between India and Afghanistan.
Contemporary Relations: In recent years, India and Afghanistan
have strengthened their ties in areas such as trade, security
cooperation, and development assistance. India has played a
significant role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts and
continues to support the Afghan government’s initiatives for
peace and stability
Why Afghanistan is
important for india ?
Security Concerns: Stability in Afghanistan directly
impacts India’s security situation, especially concerning
cross-border terrorism and insurgency. Instability in
Afghanistan could potentially provide safe havens for
anti-India militant groups.
Regional Connectivity: Afghanistan is a crucial link in
India’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and trade
with Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Projects like the
Chabahar Port in Iran, which India has invested in, rely
on stable Afghan territory for access to Central Asian
markets.
Energy Resources: Afghanistan’s untapped natural
resources, including minerals and energy reserves, present
economic opportunities for Indian investment and
development projects.
Cultural and Historical Ties: India and Afghanistan
share historical and cultural ties dating back
centuries. Strengthening bilateral relations with
Afghanistan reinforces India’s position as a regional
power and promotes cultural exchange.
Counterbalancing Influence: In the geopolitics of
South Asia, India seeks to counterbalance the
influence of Pakistan and China. Maintaining
friendly relations with Afghanistan helps in this
regard, as it provides India with another ally in the
region
Pashtuns vs Tajiks
Shias vs Sunni
The relationship between Pashtuns and Tajiks, as well as the
tensions between Shias and Sunnis, are complex and varied,
often influenced by historical, cultural, and geopolitical
factors. Pashtuns and Tajiks are two major ethnic groups in
Afghanistan, with Pashtuns being the largest ethnic group
and Tajiks being the second largest. While there have been
instances of conflict between the two groups, there have also
been periods of cooperation and coexistence. Similarly, the
division between Shias and Sunnis is rooted in theological
differences and has been a source of tension in various parts
of the Muslim world, including Afghanistan. However, it’s
important to note that many Shias and Sunnis live together
peacefully and often intermarry, especially in urban areas.
 The Taliban and Al-Qaeda are two distinct militant
groups with different origins and goals, though they
have sometimes had overlapping interests and
cooperation. The Taliban, predominantly Pashtun,
Taliban and emerged in Afghanistan in the 1990s and sought to
al–Qaeda establish a strict interpretation of Islamic law. Al-Qaeda,
on the other hand, is a transnational terrorist
organization founded by Osama bin Laden, with
members from various backgrounds, including Arabs,
South Asians, and others. While the Taliban’s primary
focus has been on controlling Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda has
pursued global jihad against perceived enemies of Islam.