International politics, according to the realist school of thought, is considered a reflection of human nature. Human beings, by nature, are imperfect. We have shortcomings and are flawed in our dispositions.
The flawed nature of human beings has a spillover effect on the policies formulated by nation-states. Ever since the emergence of the Westphalian international political system in the 17th century, countries around the world have made political choices that appear to be discomforting from the point of view of individual morality.
This is something that appears to be happening in one of the world’s most turbulent geopolitical regions — South Asia. Afghanistan, one of the world’s most hotly contested countries, is once again in the headlines. This time, however, the actors are the same, but the nature of the geopolitical jostling is different.
India, situated at the heart of South Asia, is currently undergoing one of the most profound shifts in its foreign policy. This foreign policy shift is directly tied to the Taliban regime.
Situated at the heart of South Asia, India is currently undergoing one of the most profound shifts in its foreign policy. This foreign policy shift is directly tied to the Taliban regime
Historically, India had shied away from dealing with the Taliban movement, not only because of the hard-line brand of Deobandi-Wahhabi Islam it professes but also because the movement is the ideological brainchild of the Pakistani deep state. Pakistan was instrumental in providing material and armed assistance to the Afghan Taliban, which contributed to its victory and eventual seizure of power in the country in August 2021.
However, since then, Pakistan’s relations with the Afghan Taliban have plummeted thanks to the Afghan Taliban’s refusal to rein in Pakistani Taliban fighters who are spreading chaos inside Pakistan.
Realist scholars like John Mearsheimer argue that in the event of the emergence of a geopolitical vacuum in a country or region, neighbouring powers rush in to fill the void in order to enhance their security at the expense of others. This is precisely what seems to be happening in Afghanistan.
However, the situation is more complex than that. India, a responsible state actor with robust democratic credentials and constitutionally sanctioned safeguards for all sections of its society, is making an outreach to a regime that is infamous for its human rights record.
The World of Strategic Realism
India’s situation in Afghanistan represents the classic Kautilyan ground for following an interest-driven foreign policy.
India’s situation in Afghanistan represents the classic Kautilyan ground for following an interest-driven foreign policy. India’s ties with the Taliban can be explained using Kautilyan doctrines
India’s relationship with the Taliban can be explained using a number of Kautilyan doctrines. The first is the Mandala theory. This theory represents a concentric circle of states where the core circle manifests itself through the Vijigishu – a Sanskrit word meaning the central kingdom; India represents that core. The next circle is the Ari, a Sanskrit word for foe; in India’s case, the foe is Pakistan. The next circle, which supersedes the Ari, is the Mitra, a Sanskrit word for ally. India, in this case, has, in this context, created an alliance of convenience with the Taliban to counter Pakistan.
In order to enhance the influence of a state vis-a-vis other states, Kautilya outlined in the Arthashastra the idea of Shadgunya Niti or six-fold policy. These are — Sandhi (peace), Asana (neutrality), Vigraha (war), Yana (preparing for war), Samshraya (seeking alliance) and Dvaidhibhava (dual policy). In the Afghan context, India is following dvaidhibhava or dual policy — alliance with the Afghan Taliban and hostility towards Pakistan. This is being done to not only counter the historically strong Pakistani influence with the Afghan Taliban but also to ensure that India is able to regain the position it enjoyed in the pre-2021 period and safeguard its economic interests, which exceed $3 billion.
Kautilya offers a strategic realist lens through which India can protect its security and economic interests, and gain connectivity to Central Asia and a foothold in that region
In order to solidify the policy of dvaidhibhava, India is following what Kautilya outlined as the four upayas or expedients. These are — Sama (conciliation) — India’s diplomatic outreach through the visit of high level Taliban dignitaries and engagement in other sectors is its outcome; Dana (concession or gifts) — India’s humanitarian assistance to Afghans apart from granting student and medical visas is the manifestation of this strategy; Bheda (dissension) — using the Taliban to undermine Pakistan’s anti-Afghanistan, anti-India designs; Danda (punishment through coercion) – launching targeted anti-terror operations against Pakistani state sponsored terrorists, is a good example.
Hence, Kautilya offers a strong strategic realist lens through which India can protect its extra-territorial security and economic interests, and also get a favourable position as far as gaining connectivity into Central Asia and increasing its foothold in that region is concerned.
–The writer is currently working as a Research Associate at Defence Research and Studies (dras.in) and is a columnist. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
