What should be India's position apropos current situation in Afghanistan?

Afghanistan has fallen. Talibans have taken full control of it. They now are impatiently waiting for August 31 to come. This is the scheduled date of final departure of american troops. Common afghan stands duped by the way America withdrew. All of a sudden life and safety of not only the people of Afghanistan but foreign nationals too who are there for any reasons whatsoever stands severely compromised. Women and children are left at the mercy of their fate which is now under the control of the Taliban.

                       Meanwhile anarchy through Talibani Dictates is ruling Afghanistan.The result is people are desperate to leave the country at any cost. In a desperate bid to do so lots of people risking their lives don't hesitate clinging to even the wings of planes ready to take off. 

The panic and impatience can be readily gauged from this uncommon traits of sane minds gone irrational.

Scenes of women being oppressed and tormented are not uncommon so far as news clips on print and electronic media (especially social media) happen to show these to the outside world. 

Women there are forced to buy life and safety by rendering themselves pliable to the 'whims' and 'requirements' of the talibani fighters whose proclaimed agenda is to bring Afghanistan under the Islamic Sharia rule.

What should India do in the current situation?

India finds itself in a very sticky situation and disadvantageous position۔ Notwithstanding India stands alone amidst tacit and sometimes calculated and calibrated support of a different version of Quad opportunistically, situationally and informally  composed of Pakistan,China,Iran, Russia to the Taliban after the fall of Kabul nevertheless it should cease to be numb on the issue.

The countries named above don't have any compunction to support Taliban as long as indian interests are either defeated or relegated to the background by such moves. The perceived proximity of India with America during for the last few decades on a number of issues has made even Russia,a one time ally rather unconcerned to the friendship bond once it had with India. Rest of the countries have their own score to settle with India. 

              Though in Doha India too was on the negotiating table withTaliban alongwith other nations yet indian dilemma revolves round whether to engage or not at all with Taliban diplomatically? If yes,in what way?

                  In my opinion India should not engage diplomatically with Taliban with a view to give recognition to the new regime save on issues related to the immediate safety of Indians there or evacuation of the latter from that country. It goes without saying that it is not easy however options must be explored without harm of Indian interests.

India should proceed further only cautiously in view of the complexity of the situation. But we should be mindful of the fact that

giving recognition to anti-democratic fundamentalist and hereticTalibans that tramples life,liberty and dignity of individual in general and women in particular will be self-defeating the values like gender equality and freedom of individuals that any democratic polity holds essential.

It is hard to understand why western world which holds these values so dear do not find anything wrong to talk to these fighters with gun in hands! If it is diplomacy or pragmatism then it must be shunned for larger international interests. 

Narrow national interests of individual nations have throttled the deep international conscience to live together peacefully, peaceably and happily. 

          As of now India must take a tough stand that it cannot approve or recognise a government that seeks to legitimise itself with the blatant exhibition of barbarism on road flamboyantly sporting guns in hands.

          The problem at home should be more closely monitored. There's every reason to believe that some unscrupulous elements are in a bid create tension at home due to their objectionable stand with respect to the Afghan issue. Muslims in India are evidently divided over the course of events happening in Taliban. Some seem to support them while many others don't endorse the modus operandi that Taliban have adopted there to enforce Sharia rule. Needless to say the situation requires proper assessment oriented decision.

In my opinion, India's diplomacy needs to give strong message that international community should do all that it can to disapprove the ways & means that Taliban have taken recourse to after american withdrawal. It is against the norms of civilised society. 

                     With America having withdrawn itself and Russia' stand being otherwise can India risk this tough stand amidst the hostile ecology structured by its neighbour pakistan alongwith china? 

                      Apparently no; but perhaps yes.                         The policy options must be explored as well as assessed costwise also direct or indirect. 

                        India must assess what strength it can back upon, what opportunities it sees if any, what risks are associated with each option and last but not the least what are threats attached to the decision before it takes on the issue of recognition. 

                       We are also aware that rotational presidency of UNSC as of now rests with India.

R.R.Prabhakar.

25.08.2021.