Is the Taliban Caught in a Power Struggle Between India and Pakistan?

The complicated relationship between India and Pakistan has taken another turn, with the Taliban seemingly caught in the middle. India’s recent decision to abstain from a UN Security Council resolution condemning the Taliban’s repressive policies has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the region’s power dynamics.

India’s UN Abstention: A Calculated Move?

The UN Security Council resolution called for increased political inclusion in Afghanistan and a reversal of the Taliban’s restrictive policies, particularly those impacting women and girls. India’s abstention, rather than a vote in favor, suggests a deeper strategic calculation at play.

The India-Pakistan-Taliban Triangle

Some analysts believe this abstention reflects India’s attempt to navigate a delicate balancing act. By not directly condemning the Taliban, India might be trying to maintain a semblance of communication with the current Afghan regime, potentially to counter Pakistan’s influence in the region. Pakistan, historically having close ties with the Taliban, may see India’s move as an attempt to undermine its own strategic interests in Afghanistan.

This situation further complicates the already fraught relationship between India and Pakistan, with the Taliban now potentially serving as a pawn in their ongoing power struggle. The future stability of Afghanistan and the surrounding region hangs precariously in the balance as these geopolitical maneuvers unfold.