Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)

Post 2021 Regime of Afghanistan headed by Taliban has increased distance from India affecting its ambitions for South Asia Geostrategic Significance of Afghanistan • Significant to reach Central Asia Through character port and Highway to India Afghanistan Border • TAPI pipeline for energy security from Turkmenistan oil field to India • INSTC Extend the INSTC connectivity through Afghanistan / bypass Pakistan

Altered political landscape post 2021 in India-Afghanistan • Non-engagement—India does not engage with Taliban, No engagement with terrorist (Kandahar attack) • Pakistan's strategic as patrons of weight Taliban, measured control & influence for anti-India's activity • Great Game of Russia, China, Iran & Pakistan obtain energy rich recourses, apparently & critical mineral India Isolated—Troika—no India • Refugee Crisis—Afghanistain asking amnesty in India → expired visa & embassy closed since 4 years Way Forward: • Backchannel engagement with Taliban—accepted by central asia, Russia & Chinese expand on negotiations in Qatar • Humanitarian lends equity, education based engagement expanded • Support democratic set up act as Vishvaguru set up for demo etc rejuvenation in Afghanistan • Economic cooperation—restart connecting projects, axes to minerals & energy trade India as biggest force in South Asia as duty towards Afghanistan), uphold it by engagement & ethical support

— Samiksha Dwivedi · AIR 56