LMA Session on Taliban’s Return- Complications & Repercussions for India

The LMA President, Dr.  Sandeep Kapur, accentuated the audience about the current scenario and critical situation in Afghanistan

Ludhiana, October 30, 2021: The present and future looks very uncertain for India with the recent and ongoing developments in Afghanistan. India has overtly adopted a wait and watch policy while it engages in quiet behind-the-scenes diplomacy with political and trade relations between the two countries currently suspended, said Mr. Dinesh Kumar at the Ludhiana Management Association Session on Taliban’s Return- Complications & Repercussions for India, held at Hotel Park Plaza, Ludhiana

Mr. Kumar explained, India had invested $3 billion in over 400 projects across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan. These have comprised major infrastructure and institutions for capacity-building – construction of vital roads to increase connectivity, dams, electricity transmission lines and substations, schools and hospitals and rendering education and technical assistance in many areas apart from encouraging investment in Afghanistan and providing duty-free access to the Indian market. India’s annual trade had crossed $1.5 billion with two third tilted in India’s favour.

Geo-political developments in the region have greatly complicated the situation for India. Developments in and relations with Afghanistan are of vital importance to India since it could have negative repercussions on our country. The threat is from both Pakistan and China who are currently at their hostile worst with India.

Pakistan, which suffers from compulsive hostility against India, controls the Taliban which is a regressive, fanatical and brutal terror organisation. At the same time China, which is an all-weather all of Pakistan and currently maintaining its worst hostile posture against India since the 1962 war, is stepping into Afghanistan in a major way. Both countries are among only 11 which continue to retain a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan.

Pakistan will be looking to seek the Taliban’s help to wreak havoc in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh by spiking terror attacks. They would want to extend terror attacks across India in a major way. If and when circumstances permit, they would attempt to salami slice parts of the erstwhile state wherever our defences are weak.

China, with its deep pockets, will play the game slowly but insidiously. It is expected to gradually ramp up its engagement in practically every major sphere in Afghanistan starting with infrastructure projects as it sees Afghanistan to be vital for BRI (Belt Road Initiative). It is already using Pakistan to assist its entry into Afghanistan.

China is also concerned that the Taliban does not support Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province who have formed the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. China is also interested in getting access to the $3 trillion worth mineral deposits that includes lithium among other materials. Their assistance also supplements Pakistan’s desire to develop strategic depth vis-à-vis India and also add to their encirclement of India. 

The President of LMA, Dr.  Sandeep Kapur, accentuated the audience about the current scenario and critical situation in Afghanistan. Dr. DP Guleria, member of LMA expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Kumar for such an enlightening session.