India's socio-economic and political engagement in Afghanistan

Abstract

The study focused on India's Socio-economic and Political engagement in Afghanistan. The study is descriptive in nature. It aims to analyze Indian foreign policy for Afghanistan and to find out the reasons behind India's vast engagement in Afghanistan. The study argues that India's engagement in Afghanistan is prioritized in Indian political context in order to play an influential role in the region. This study also explores India's aims of economic interests and access to the Eurasian landmass and Central Asian countries to fulfill its energy deficits through pipelines which convinced Indian government for signing multilateral agreements. It also indicates India's aim of connecting in trade and transit with central Asian countries through Chabahar sea port and to open multiple air corridors which enhances the capability of Indian government to maintain its sustainable development. The study indicates that India's engagement toward Afghanistan has been changed by the three main factors: first; striking a balance between Afghanistan and Pakistan relations, second; changing in domestic politics and the wishes of internal political parties in Afghanistan, and third; changes in the International political environment.