U.S. Pullout a Big Step, Must Ensure Democracy Prevails In Afghanistan: S Jaishankar

Jaishankar urges a responsible U.S. exit from Afghanistan, stressing democracy, stability, and regional cooperation at Raisina Dialogue.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday described the United States’ decision to withdraw all its forces from Afghanistan as a “big step” that would have significant and lasting consequences for the region. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Afghanistan’s National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib, Mr. Jaishankar underscored the need for a “responsible drawdown” of U.S. and NATO forces.

“It is important that we all work together to ensure that the direction [of this decision] is right and the outcomes are good for Afghanistan,” Mr. Jaishankar said during the virtual panel discussion, adding that the international community must ensure that Afghanistan remains “united, democratic and sovereign.”

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The trio also stressed the importance of preserving the country’s constitutional framework, democratic processes, and the rights of women and minorities, irrespective of political transitions on the ground.

India Expresses Concern Over Hasty Exit

Mr. Jaishankar’s remarks reflect New Delhi’s concern over a potential power vacuum in Afghanistan that could be exploited by extremist elements, including the Taliban. A day earlier, Chief of Defence Staff (Retd.) General Bipin Rawat had also warned against a premature pullout, noting that the resultant vacuum could allow “disruptors” to destabilise the region and perpetuate violence.

NSA Mohib, who spoke to his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval ahead of the conference, said discussions were ongoing around the transition plan and the structure of future intra-Afghan and regional talks, including those scheduled in Turkey. “We are in uncharted territory. The devil lies in the details of what is being negotiated with NATO,” Mr. Mohib said, cautioning against the threat posed by foreign fighters, including Islamic State (IS) elements operating within Afghanistan.

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Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Zarif noted that Afghanistan and its neighbours face “common threats and challenges” and must act in concert to secure regional stability.

India’s Development Role

Mr. Jaishankar firmly rejected allegations that India’s engagement in Afghanistan was driven by rivalry with Pakistan. “It is an absolute fantasy to suggest that our efforts in Afghanistan are aimed at Pakistan or are a source of instability,” he stated, pointing to India’s longstanding development assistance since 2001.

Highlighting key infrastructure projects such as the Afghan Parliament building, the Salma Dam, and critical road networks, Mr. Jaishankar described India’s role as “constructive and positive”—a veiled reference to Pakistan’s alleged support for Taliban factions and other extremist groups.

When asked whether India was engaging with either Pakistan or the Taliban, Mr. Jaishankar declined to offer specifics, stating only that “the situation is evolving” and that all stakeholders must work toward shaping outcomes that are positive for Afghanistan.

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Backchannel Diplomacy

Speculation regarding backchannel communications between India and Pakistan gained momentum recently, following a statement by the UAE Ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al Otaiba, who claimed that the UAE had facilitated talks leading to the February 25 Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) ceasefire agreement between the two South Asian neighbours.

Though neither Mr. Jaishankar nor Mr. Mohib directly named Pakistan during the session, Mr. Mohib strongly hinted at its involvement. He stated that the Taliban had clearly received support from a neighbouring country, adding that the presence of Taliban leadership across the border was a sign of direct interference.

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“If this support continues, there will be blowback for our neighbour,” Mr. Mohib warned, urging both the Taliban and their external backers to support a genuine ceasefire and participate meaningfully in peace negotiations.