The rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan in August 2021 marked a pivotal moment that significantly reshaped both regional and global geopolitics, serving as a strategic boon for some actors while presenting challenges for others. At the time, the return of the Taliban was widely interpreted as a victory for Pakistan, its longstanding ally, and a major setback for India. In the immediate aftermath, Pakistan conveyed its optimism through visits to Kabul by ISI Director General Lt Gen Faiz Hameed in early September, followed by a visit from the country’s foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in October of the same year.

For India, which had invested over $3 billion in approximately 500 development projects across Afghanistan—including roads, schools, hospitals, dams, and the significant undertaking of building a new Parliament—the fall of Kabul posed a considerable geopolitical dilemma. Yet, over the three years since these events, the anticipated dynamics between these key players appear to have evolved, with tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban reaching unprecedented levels, while India has notably increased its engagement with the Taliban.

The discourse surrounding India’s increased engagement with the Taliban has gained prominence following the

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