The rapid military operation that the Taliban has taken over Afghanistan in just weeks has put security and diplomacy experts around the world in trouble. After the Taliban took control of the capital Kabul, several countries are conducting special operations to get their diplomats and civilians out of Afghanistan as soon as possible. But what is being left behind with this is the development work and investment done in Afghanistan in the last two decades.
India has long border disputes with Pakistan and China. It is believed that in the future, the role of these two in Afghanistan is going to be important. Afghanistan’s border with Pakistan is not completely closed to the people, it is very easy for people to cross it. Pakistan has also been playing an active role in matters related to Afghanistan for a long time.
Now China, a commercial ally of Pakistan, is also showing more interest in Afghanistan. Last month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held an important meeting with senior Taliban leaders, a sign that he no longer wants to remain a mute spectator to the neighbours.
Afghanistan was a loose link between the democratic governments of Western countries and another democratic nation like India. But it is expected that in the coming days, Pakistan, Russia, Iran and China are going to play a very important role in this big game to be held in South Asia.
