India's Afghan Role After U.S. Leaves

When President Barack Obama announced the ‘surge and exit’ strategy for Afghanistan in December 2009, Delhi, like so many others, was surprised. The significant expansion of Indian influence in Afghanistan since the U.S. ousted the Taliban regime at the end of 2001 was rooted in the stability and security provided by the American and international military forces. The Indian apprehensions about Afghanistan’s uncertain future after the U.S. ends its combat role there by 2014 acquired a sharper edge as the Obama Administration sought negotiations with the Taliban that Dehli has long seen as a proxy of the Pakistan army. That Washington might cede the south and east of Afghanistan to the Taliban and allow the Pakistan army a big say in future political arrangements in Kabul became potential nightmare for India’s strategic community. The initial widespread concern in Delhi has now been replaced by a stoic resignation and determination to pursue its enduring interests in Afghanistan on its own steam. This essay lays out various policy options being debated in Delhi as India prepares to deal with the situation in Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal of its troops.