HR

Hrishikesh RajendraAIR 61· 2025

Question 20GS2GS2

Q.20) "In a fluid geopolitical arena, engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path." Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

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Main Body

India recently sealed the embassy in Kabul post Taliban takeover in 2020.

Fluid geopolitical arena

1Changing power struggle with USA & China.
2Sea of destabilisation and war by: Russia - Ukraine war.
3Paralysis & global governance by: UN.
4Changing alignments and alliances by: Astral Accords.

Engagement without formal endorsement is pragmatic middle path

1Strategic autonomy can be maintained without endorsement.
2Helps ensure centrality of national strategic interest by: Core-border terror and drug trafficking through golden crescent.
3Prevents big power syndrome by: moral lecturing to Taliban avoided.
4Provides soon for maneuverability by: in case of Russia - Iran - China axis shifting.
5Sri keeps counter Chinese hegemony by: BRICS partnership between Afghanistan & China axis shifting.
6Promotes Indian economic growth and energy security by: connectivity through TAPI pipeline.
7Resources Indian investment by: China Dam.
8Soft-power diplomacy - long term sustain activity by: Afghanistan cricket team.

India-Afghanistan relations should focus on commonalities & economic interdependence and national security.

Engagement without formal endorsement is pragmatic middle path (continued text shown in conclusion on page 47)

184 words16 paragraphs

Conclusion

India-Afghanistan relations should focus on commonalities & economic interdependence and national security.

12 words

Examiner score
1/10

Open original scan

Page 49

Topper

Hrishikesh Rajendra

AIR 612025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

India and its Neighborhood - Relations

India and its Neighborhood

India-Afghanistan relations and Taliban

Writing Stats

196

Total words

16

Paragraphs

formal

Tone