India and Taliban

The Taliban, who refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), are a Sunni Islamic fundamentalist political movement and military organization in Afghanistan currently waging war (jihad) within that country.

Taliban has ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 until George Bush started his "War on Terror" on Afghanistan. But the US and NATO forces were unsuccessful in eliminating the Taliban completely from Afghanistan and Taliban still controls majority of portion of the country. To appease American voters before the 2020 elections, Trump wants to bring American soldiers back to USA from Afghanistan.

Recently, US and Taliban signed an agreement for "Bringing peace to Afganistan" which will enable the US and NATO forces to withdraw troops in the next 14months. After the Intra-Afghan talks the Afghan govt and Taliban will both share power and govern the country together.

If we look from the point of view of India which has always supported the Afghan govt and opposed the Taliban and accused it of terrorism, it is difficult for India to change its position on Taliban drastically.

Should India establish some communication with Taliban?

▪India has supported and backed the Afgan govt led by Ashraf Ghani in the past. Many career diplomats in India are suggesting the government not to give legitimacy to the Afghan Taliban. Many believe that Taliban's word cannot be taken seriously as they change their stance often.

▪US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has said that India should talk directly to Taliban. Sooner or later the Taliban will come to power with international recognition. And India will have to open links with them.

▪There are indications now that Pakistan-based Haqqani Network within the Taliban will emerge as leaders. India will now have to take a strategic approach once everything settles down.

Comment below for any suggestions.