India is said to be contemplating taking in a Taliban nominee in its embassy in Delhi, raising alarm at the potential consequences for India's credibility geopolitically. The move is occurring at an important juncture when India is dealing with complex relationships with other nations across its immediate neighbourhood.
The decision, if taken, would be a dramatic shift in Indian policy towards the Taliban government of Afghanistan. It has implications on India's foreign policy and its relations with the international community, especially countries that have condemned the Taliban for human rights violations.
India's credibility in geopolitics could be affected in several ways. On one hand, engaging with the Taliban could be seen as a pragmatic move, allowing India to maintain a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and potentially influence the country's future trajectory. Conversely, the acceptance of a Taliban nominee in its embassy would be seen as an implicit endorsement of the regime's ideology and actions and can harm India's global image as a defender of democracy and human rights.
The world at large will be observing India's future course of action closely because they may have an important bearing on regional stability and global geopolitics. In trying to resolve this delicate situation, India has to cautiously ponder the probable ramifications of its actions and make sure that its choices suit its long-term strategic interests and values ¹.