Afghanistan’s strategic reorientation towards India during the second Taliban regime: Implications for Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68065/joccd.05.01.169Keywords:
Terrorism, Taliban Resurgence, South Asia, India-Afghan Relations, PakistanAbstract
The resurgence of Taliban as the new regime in Afghanistan has created a complex geo-strategic environment for Pakistan. Contrary to the popular expectation, the new Taliban regime has refused to toe the Pakistan line and are increasingly aligning themself with India. Increasing ties between India and Afghanistan has pushed Pakistan in a geo-political quandary where its two immediate neighbours, harboring hostile intentions towards it, are increasingly growing closer. The changing regional environment calls for a re-assessment of Pakistan’s foreign policy goals towards Afghanistan and its modus operandi. The following article by discussing historical relations between India and Afghanistan, highlights how the new Taliban regime is growing closer to India at the cost of Pakistan. Further, the article highlights the geo-strategic goals of India and Afghanistan behind their increasing linkages and how these growing ties implicate Pakistan. The article then concludes by discussing some strategic pathways that Pakistan can leverage to secure its legitimate interests.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mahnoor Nafees, Muhammad Owais (Author)
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