For China, whose restive Xinjiang province shares a border with Afghanistan, a jihadist-oriented Taliban regime would not serve its internal interests. When it comes to Afghanistan, Iran is an irreplaceable country. The original objective of India’s Chabahar project in Iran was to create a direct access to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. Building strategic ties with Iran, irrespective of the U.S.’s policy towards the Islamic Republic, is essential for India’s Afghan bets. Finally, India should talk with China, with the objective of finding a political settlement and lasting stability in Afghanistan.

Source: The Hindu July 26, 2021 18:33 UTC