Taliban 2.0 and Geopolitical Security Concerns in South Asia’s Neighbourhood

Abstract

Abstract

The emergence of Taliban 2.0 has raised significant geopolitical security concerns in the South Asia region, particularly in the neighbouring countries of India and Pakistan. The effectiveness of the peace deal between the United States and the Taliban appears to be limited, as it has not produced the intended outcomes as initially stated. The objective was to establish a period of uninterrupted peace across Afghanistan. The rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan was facilitated by a military coup, which subsequently led to the withdrawal of United States and NATO forces from the region. The government led by Ashraf Ghani, with support from the United States, experienced a downfall, resulting in significant consequences for Afghanistan. This included an economic crisis, a rise in the number of people seeking refuge outside the country, and limitations on Afghanistan’s capacity to maintain political relationships globally. The geopolitical landscape of South Asia’s neighbouring countries has been dynamic, with ongoing changes. The emergence of Taliban 2.0 in Afghanistan has had significant implications for regional security, particularly affecting major players such as India and Pakistan. This article contributes to the existing scholarship by focusing on the production of new literature and highlighting recent developments in the field of security trends. The Taliban’s takeover has raised concerns about the potential for an armed insurgency in the Indian subcontinent. Both India and Pakistan are equally worried about the possibility of terrorist groups infiltrating their territories due to this development. The study aims to critically analyse the security concerns of India and Pakistan in relation to the Taliban’s governance in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is widely regarded as a fertile environment for militants harbouring intense anti-India and anti-Pakistan sentiments. Past studies on Afghanistan have raised valid concerns about the potential for these militants to increase in strength and enhance their preparedness to carry out attacks. The two historic rival nuclear powers have divergent viewpoints on Afghanistan, but they both express apprehension about the increasing influence of the other in the region. The discussion has effectively addressed the crucial relations between India and Pakistan with the Taliban, highlighting the valid concerns regarding potential security implications and challenges that may arise in the South Asian neighbourhood due to the situation in Afghanistan.

Key Words: War, Peace building, Afghanistan, Security, Taliban 2.0, India, Pakistan