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Anjani Trivedi

India’s Investments in Afghanistan Led to a Diplomatic Dead End

New Delhi kept its military out of the war-torn country, preferring instead to invest in key infrastructure projects. Its approach may have backfired.

Taliban fighters take control of Afghan presidential palace. — Taliban fighters take control of Afghan presidential palace.
Photographer: Zabi Karimi/Associated Press

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August 29, 2021, 10:30 PM UTCUpdated onAugust 30, 2021, 1:59 AM UTC

India has sunk billions into Afghanistan, hedging its bets with a combination of soft and hard power.

Now, as nations desperately evacuate their troops, people and equipment, stunned by the Taliban’s quick takeover and attacks on those trying to flee, it’s worth examining what New Delhi’s strategic goals were and what the gains have been over the last two decades.