Opinion | India and Afghanistan Cooperation for Peace, Security, and Regional Stability

India and Afghanistan share a long and friendly relationship that goes back many centuries. The ties between the two countries are based on shared history, culture, trade, and strong people-to-people connections. Over time, this relationship has grown into a meaningful partnership focused on peace, security, development, and regional stability. Even during difficult political times in Afghanistan, India has continued to support the Afghan people and has remained committed to the idea of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

Strong Historical and Diplomatic Ties

The modern partnership between India and Afghanistan was formally strengthened in 2011 with the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement. This agreement created a strong base for cooperation in many areas, including political dialogue, economic development, education, and security. It showed India’s clear support for Afghanistan as a sovereign, independent, and united nation. The friendship between the two countries, however, is much older than this agreement.

For centuries, people from India and Afghanistan have interacted through trade routes, cultural exchanges, and academic links. Afghan students have studied in Indian institutions, and Indian films, music, and literature are widely loved in Afghanistan. These cultural bonds have helped create trust and goodwill between the people of both nations.

Cooperation for Peace and Political Stability

India is of the view that peace in Afghanistan is vital for the Afghan people as well as for the entire region. India has always been in favour of an Afghan-owned peace process, meaning that decisions regarding the country’s future should be made by the Afghan people themselves.

A significant diplomatic event was witnessed in 2025 when the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, visited New Delhi. Such a visit represented a significant development regarding the further improvement of relations between the two states. Various themes were discussed during the meeting held with Afghanistan. One of the key outcomes of this visit was India’s decision to upgrade its Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Embassy of India.

Security and Counter-Terrorism

Security is one of the most important areas of cooperation between India and Afghanistan. Both countries face serious challenges from terrorism and extremist groups. India has consistently emphasized that Afghan territory should not be used by terrorist groups to plan or carry out attacks against other countries.

Humanitarian Assistance and Development Support

India is among the largest regional partners supporting Afghanistan’s development. Over the years, India has completed many important projects in Afghanistan, including the Afghan Parliament building, Salma Dam, highways, schools, and hospitals.

One such recent instance is when the government of India supplied 7,586 kilograms of 18 different kinds of anti-cancer medicines to the Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan. Such aid was required to help cancer patients as well as improve the health care system.

Education and Capacity Building

Education is one of the most significant areas of cooperation that exists between the Indian and Afghan governments. Many Afghan nationals have obtained scholarships to study in Indian universities, and these students have been able to acquire education in the fields of medicine, engineering, law, and management, among others. Further, Indian training programs have been provided to Afghan administrators, faculty members of the education department, and health sector personnel. The aim of all these is to provide a trained force that would be able to contribute towards the development of the country. Through education, the Indian government can provide trained personnel or human resources.

International Trade, Connectivity, and Integration

Economic cooperation is an important part of the relationship between India and Afghanistan, wherein Afghanistan’s development and regional stability can be strengthened. India has been in support of Afghanistan for building a trade network, improving infrastructure, and enhancing connectivity with neighbouring countries. Being one of the most crucial initiatives, the Chabahar Port project in Iran provides direct access to Afghanistan to international markets. The route reduces Afghanistan’s reliance on limited options for transit and smoother imports and exports of goods can be enabled. Increasing trade, transport, and economic links will ensure Afghanistan’s economic growth, integration into the region, and building a foundation for long-term prosperity and stability.

India and Afghanistan share a historic relationship based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous future. They have progressively developed cooperation in foreign affairs, security, humanitarian aid, educational, commercial, and connectivity. India has helped Afghanistan meet immediate needs such as food, medicines, and relief, while also contributing through education and capacity building.

The above measures will ensure the future of Afghanistan and strengthen the broader South and Central Asian region. A peaceful and stable region itself, as well as the development and progress of the South and Centre region. Continued cooperation between India and Afghanistan will further support the development and stability of the region.

pirzadarehan52@gmail.com