US vs Pakistan vs China: The Great Afghanistan Game is back in action, it’s dangerous for India because…
The land of Afghanistan is known as the ‘graveyard of empires’ due to the fact that various empires of the world, including the US and USSR have lost battles trying to rule the land. But with the rise of democratic government in the country, the influence of foreign powers somewhat got subdued. However, after the fall of the Ghani government and the rise of Taliban, along with the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, there have been several turns of events that are making Afghanistan the centre of power struggle once again.
In the last few months that have passed, there have been several events which have stirred the void in the power struggle of Afghanistan. The tensions worsened after the Shahbaz Sharif government of Pakistan ordered around 2 million Afghan refugees to leave Pakistan. Also, the US, under the leadership of Donald Trump is reportedly highly interested in regaining control of the strategic Bagram Airbase of Afghanistan.
It should also be noted that countries like Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and Iran are engaging with the Taliban based on their strategic interests. Russia and China have raised security concerns, while India is cautiously rebuilding ties with the Taliban government of Afghanistan.
India vs China in Afghanistan:
In an important note, Afghanistan holds strategic importance for both India and China. China aims to expand its influence through the Belt and Road Initiative, whereas the Taliban has urged India to resume its developmental projects. This sets the stage for a subtle competition between the two powers in the region.
India’s continued focus on Afghanistan
In a major development regarding the happenings in Afghanistan, the government of India has declared to the Parliament that it follows “reports of persecution” of members of Sikh community in Pakistan and Afghanistan on a regular basis, as per a report by news agency PTI.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said this in a written response to a query in Rajya Sabha. Based on the reports of atrocities against the minority communities in Pakistan, the government of India raises such matters with Pakistan through diplomatic channels, he said.
Notably, the turbulence in Afghanistan can be dangerous for India because of its security concerns.
US Senior South Asia official visits Pakistan
US President Donald Trump’s administration is sending a senior State Department official to Pakistan to “underscore” counterterrorism cooperation while looking at promoting economic ties, a report carried by PTI news agency said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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