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?

Afghanistan due to its strategic location acts as a gateway to Central Asia. India - Afghanistan relation based on people-to-people understanding and development assuming India access to Central Asia. Afghanistan location as gateway to Central Asia: 1) Afghanistan between Pakistan and central Asia - key to connectivity - TAPI Pipeline Border Central Asia countries - Afghanistan border central Asia countries - Areas to hydrocarbon and capital measures in central Asia. 2) Afghanistan linked to Iran - India choban post linked to Afghanistan and then to central Asia. 3) Afghanistan as neighbour to Pakistan - Geostrategic importance for India to pressurize Pakistan.

2021 - Taliban to taken from democratic Government in Afghanistan. Implication for India: 1) Stalled project - India project in Afghanistan such as Dams education are stalled - TAPI pipeline 2) India donot recognise Taliban and limited diplomatic connection 3) Taliban policies against minorities and women binds Taliban engagement by India

Measures: 1) Engage Taliban on greater project 2) Tailateral with Iran, Afghanistan and central Asia 3) Alternative Route such as INSTC to connect central Asia India need to revive its policy and engage Taliban in Afghanistan to connect central Asia and complete connectivity periated.