Indian envoy's visit to Kabul; capacity building to deal with security challenges

South Asia has always witnessed complex and multifaceted tensions between its major countries. In recent weeks, these tensions have intensified. The recent terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Indian-controlled Kashmir was a turning point in this crisis. The attack, which killed 26 tourists and injured 17 others, prompted the Indian government to react.

India has attributed the attack to Pakistan-sponsored terrorist groups, a charge that Pakistan has vehemently denied and has always emphasized that it is also a victim of terrorism. The incident has not only exacerbated distrust between the two countries but has also deepened the security crisis in the region.

In this tense situation, India-Pakistan relations, which are under severe pressure, especially in the security field, are facing serious challenges. The visit of Anand Prakash, the Special Representative of the Ministry of External Affairs of India to Kabul, has raised many questions in this regard. This visit could indicate India's efforts to manage the crisis and, at the same time, a new step towards addressing the security challenges of the region.

Strengthening relations with Afghanistan in sensitive circumstances

The visit of Anand Prakash, the Special Representative of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, to Kabul at a time when tensions with Pakistan have reached their peak, indicates the country's efforts to create a balance in its foreign policy and strengthen relations with Afghanistan.

On the one hand, India is facing threats from groups based in Pakistan, and on the other hand, it is trying to reduce Pakistan's influence in Afghanistan and expand its strategic ties with this country.

One of the goals of this visit is to strengthen cooperation in various fields, especially strengthening security relations with the Taliban government. This cooperation can help Delhi authorities gain better information about the activities of terrorist groups, especially in Pakistan, and prevent the infiltration of groups that pose a common threat to India’s and the region’s security.

Protecting India’s interests in the face of Pakistan

Afghanistan is in dire need of international cooperation after the Taliban took over, and India is seeking to expand economic and trade ties with the country. As a result, these economic ties will not only allow New Delhi to expand its influence in Afghanistan but can also position Afghanistan as an economic and political partner.

At the same time, India intends to strengthen its position in the region by participating in Afghan infrastructure projects and creating a balance against the efforts of the Islamabad government to strengthen its influence in Afghanistan.

Anand Prakash's visit to Kabul is an attempt to protect and strengthen India's interests in a crisis. New Delhi is trying to use its diplomatic capacity to pressure Pakistan to stop supporting some terrorist groups that New Delhi believes are supported by Pakistan. Therefore, strengthening relations with Afghanistan can help in this direction and, especially if Kabul and Delhi cooperate more in confronting threats, will put more pressure on Pakistan.

However, in a situation where tensions between India and Pakistan, especially in the security field, have reached their peak, the visit of the country's special representative to Kabul is not only a step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Kabul and New Delhi but also a strategic effort to reduce terrorist threats and strengthen India's position in the region.

India is using the trip to show Pakistan that it can count on allies like Afghanistan to counter security threats, while also using its diplomatic clout to pressure Islamabad.

The trip could also signal a shift in the way India engages with its neighbors, especially as it seeks to strengthen regional cooperation to address shared threats.