India’s recent abstention on the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) draft resolution on Afghanistan reflects its evolving and calculated diplomatic stance. The resolution, introduced by Germany in 2025, aimed to address the continuing humanitarian and political situation in Afghanistan, especially after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. By neither supporting nor opposing the draft, India’s balanced approach on Afghanistan at UN showcases its long-term strategy focused on regional stability, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian aid rather than punitive measures.
India’s Abstention: A Strategic Neutrality
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, explained the rationale behind India’s abstention. He emphasised that the situation in Afghanistan cannot be resolved through “business as usual” or punitive isolation of the Taliban regime. Instead, India calls for a pragmatic mix of incentives and disincentives to foster responsible behaviour.
India’s decision to abstain highlights a broader diplomatic balancing act. While rejecting any form of Taliban legitimacy, India recognises the geopolitical realities and the need for structured engagement to safeguard its national and regional interests. New Delhi’s position underlines that complete disengagement could risk alienating the Afghan people and ceding influence to rival powers in the region.
Afghanistan at UN: Emphasis on Terrorism and National Security in India’s Stand
A central pillar of India’s balanced approach on Afghanistan at UN remains its concern over terrorism. The statement by Ambassador Harish strongly emphasised the necessity to ensure that Afghanistan does not become a sanctuary for terror outfits. India specifically cited Al-Qaeda, ISIL/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) — groups known to have targeted Indian interests in the past.
India’s abstention was also a subtle message to the international community about the role of state-sponsored terrorism and the need to address cross-border extremism, particularly pointing at Pakistan’s historical involvement in Afghanistan’s internal dynamics.
Afghanistan at UN: Supporting Education and Regional Stability Through India’s Engagement
India’s commitment to regional peace is evident through its continued support for education and human resource development in Afghanistan. The UN resolution itself recognised the critical role regional countries can play, and India was listed among key partners providing educational opportunities.
New Delhi has extended hundreds of scholarships to Afghan students, especially women, since 2023. These include courses in medicine, technology, and liberal arts — an investment aimed not only at humanitarian goodwill but also at developing future leaders aligned with democratic values and regional cooperation.
Afghanistan’s Role in Regional Connectivity
The resolution also addressed Afghanistan’s potential as a land bridge between Central and South Asia — a vision India supports. From the Chabahar Port to Central Asian connectivity corridors, India continues to view Afghanistan as a strategic transit hub. But for these visions to materialise, stability and rule of law in Afghanistan are critical — something that India continues to advocate for through multilateral platforms.
India’s Humanitarian and Development Aid
Since the Taliban’s takeover, India has provided over 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat, essential medicines, vaccines, and winter clothing to the Afghan people. It has also partnered with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to implement drug rehabilitation programs for Afghan women and youth — a sector badly affected by the socio-political collapse.
India’s approach focuses on the Afghan population rather than the Taliban administration. It underscores a “people-first” policy in line with India’s development cooperation ethos. These measures not only offer immediate relief but also reinforce India’s long-term presence and influence in Afghanistan.
Ongoing Development Engagement
India’s role in Afghanistan extends beyond emergency aid. It has been involved in over 500 development projects, ranging from infrastructure and health to education and rural development. These projects are scattered across all 34 provinces, showcasing India’s deep-rooted engagement in Afghan reconstruction — irrespective of the regime in power.
India’s model — combining humanitarian aid with infrastructure and capacity-building — ensures that the Afghan people remain central to its engagement, even as it maintains a cautious stance on recognising or engaging directly with the Taliban.
Conclusion
India’s balanced approach on Afghanistan at UN demonstrates its maturity as a regional power. By abstaining, India has sent a nuanced message: it will not support legitimising the Taliban but will continue to champion the cause of ordinary Afghans. This policy reflects a delicate mix of realism, strategic patience, and humanitarian concern — one that positions India as a responsible and influential actor in the regional and global conversation on Afghanistan’s future.
