AY

Aryan YadavAIR 31

Question 20GS2GS2

Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)

Open scan (p.53)

Main Body

With the Taliban government coming into power post-2021, India's relationship with Afghanistan has altered significantly

Geo-strategic significance of Afghanistan:

1Acts as eastlog to control Asia
2Crucial door-energy connectivity (E9) TAPI Pipeline
3Can unlock crude oil imports from Iran
4Act as connectivity hub to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan => high cuicar mineral deposits like uranium

Impact of Taliban government:

1Decline in diplomatic engagement => closing of embassy in Kabul
2India has not recognized Taliban government
3Staling of various connectivity projects
4India has joined heart of Asia press to promote peace in region
5Ends bypassing of Pakistan into central asia
6Military significance in core of potential war with Pakistan
7Crucial part of India's central asia policy
8Enable diversification of imports & boost export from India

Impact of Taliban government:

1Decline in diplomatic engagement => closing of embasy in Kabul
2India has not recognized Taliban government
3Staling of various connectivity projects
4India has joined heart of Asia press to promote peace in region
5Rising instability in region hurting India's ambitions

Rising instability in region hurting India's ambitions

Way Forward:

1India can cooperate with Taliban on economic issues (political realism: Realpolitik)
2Building of connectivity infrastructure in region
3Continue humanitarian efforts in region => technical mission in useful organization is crucial as the gateway to central Asia. India can sit by separating economic & political ties
239 words5 paragraphs

Conclusion

Way Forward: (1) India can cooperate with Taliban on economic issues (political realism: Realpolitik) (2) Building of connectivity infrastructure in region (3) Continue humanitarian efforts in region => technical mission in useful organization is crucial as the Godwit to central Asia. India can sit by separating economic & political ties India must balance pragmatic economic cooperation with the Taliban government while maintaining humanitarian engagement and building connectivity infrastructure, effectively separating economic from political ties to pursue access to Central Asia and energy security despite the challenges posed by the Taliban's rise to power.

93 words

  • Addresses geopolitical significance clearly
  • Mentions specific energy projects (TAPI)
  • Acknowledges India's cautious diplomatic stance
  • Presents pragmatic 'Way Forward' section
  • Mentions realpolitik approach
  • Addresses both security and economic angles

Topper

Aryan Yadav

AIR 31

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Effect of Policies of Developed/Developing Countries and Indian Diaspora

Afghanistan and Central Asia

Geostrategic Significance and Energy Security

Writing Stats

332

Total words

5

Paragraphs

Analytical and strategic

Tone