Q) Due to the geo-strategic Location of Afghanistan any problem will affect the regional stability and security as it did in the past too. Elucidate (150 Words)
Source: Indian Express The Editorial Page: Peace Challenge
Approach Answer:
Introduction: Afghanistan lies at the cross roads of culture. Any Insecurity and instability in Afghanistan would destabilise the region and provide fertile ground for terrorist groups, posing a threat to everyone in the region. This spill-over is due to its highly connected nature with the region.
Geo-Strategic Importance of Afghanistan:
§ Geographic connectivity: The Khyber Pass, located between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has long been one of the most important trade routes and strategic military locations in the world.
? For example China wants control of Afghanistan for its Belt and Road Project. India and Russia are keen on connecting it with North-South Economic corridor.
§ Economic connectivity: The Silk Road passes through Afghanistan. It ancient network of trade routes, 4000 miles long, which connects East and the west. In the future it is expected to the linking point of Asian, African and European economies.
§ Cultural connectivity: It is known as the cultural crossroads of the Indian, Persian and Chinese civilisations. Even inhabitants of Afghanistan feel a close cultural ties with North West Frontier of Pakistan, Kashmir of India, Uzbegistan, Balochistan and Iran.
Lessons from the Past: The recent examples of local destabilization leading to spill over effects include:
§ After effects of US support for terrorism: In 1970s and 80s US supported the Jihadis against Russian backed government. Terrorist groups such as Taliban and Al-Qaeda grew in that period. It finally resulted in the Al-Qaeda attacking the United states in 9/11.
§ Pakistan's support for terrorism: Pakistan had supported the terrorists in Afghanistan in the past. However, today Pakistan is one of the most affected country by terrorism. Today it also creates a distinction between good and bad terrorists.
§ Impact on India: Pakistan uses a destabilized Afghanistan to divert its terror infrastructure to be used against India. It works on the policy of inflicting short scale damages on India. Thus stability there is of great importance to India.
Risks of instability today: Over the past few years, Afghanistan has relatively stabilized with peace talks going on with Taliban which control one-third of Afghanistan. However, the instability that can breed from failure of this process can affect the region:
• Instability in Kashmir: as in the past, any in Afghaistan directly affects our interests in Kashmir.
• Human right crisis: Various stakeholders in Afghanistan, such as women and rights groups, have real fears about a return of the Taliban.
• Migrant Crisis: As in the past every new instability in Afghanistan breeds a new wave of migrant crisis. These not only Even India had to pass Citizenship amendment act to grant citizenship to the migrants affected by such crisis.
• Export of terror to the world: Afghanistan is again becoming a fertile ground for terrorism. The ISIS has been an emerging threat.
Since Afghanistan is such a contested region, world powers have tried to control it. However it is a delicate nation.
Conclusion: India doesn't have leverage to play the spoiler but its presence is recognition that its economic cooperation programmes such as supply of wheat and various construction projects (including the Parliament) make it the most widely accepted partner. Pragmatism dictates that Indi remain engaged with the multiple processes underway. Nonetheless, it is an imperative on India that we partner with Afghanistan, US and Russia to bat for a lasting peace.
Submit your answer