While Indian officials often point fingers at Pakistan over alleged support for “Islamic terrorism,” a closer look at New Delhi’s evolving posture towards the Taliban raises serious questions about consistency. From diplomatic engagements to statements portraying the Taliban in surprisingly favorable light, India appears to be hedging its bets in Afghanistan’s new reality.
Recent interactions between Indian diplomats and Taliban representatives suggest a quiet acceptance, if not outright normalization. Some public figures have gone as far as to label the Taliban “pragmatic” or “moderate”—descriptions that seem at odds with India’s usual rhetoric on extremism.
Also Read: India Set to Boost Defence Budget by $5.85 Billion Amid Regional Tensions
This dual approach reveals a deeper contradiction: one where geopolitical interests may be overtaking the moral high ground India claims to uphold. While blaming Pakistan for instability, India is simultaneously adapting to a regime long criticized for its human rights record and hardline ideology.
Such contradictions don’t go unnoticed. If India seeks to lead the narrative on regional security and counter-terrorism, it must reconcile its words with its actions. Otherwise, it risks undermining its own credibility on the global stage.
