India-Afghanistan Relationship Now: 25 Years Of The Kandahar Hijack
Introduction: A Bond Through History
India and Afghanistan have shared a strong bond for thousands of years, connected by ancient trade routes and a rich exchange of culture, language, and art. This deep-rooted friendship has continued to grow through both good and challenging times. This month, when we reach 25 years of the Kandahar hijack, we look back on how India has supported Afghanistan in their challenging period.
The Kandahar Hijack
One of the toughest events in the relationship between India and Afghanistan was the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 on 24th December 1999. The flight was taken over by terrorists and forced to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where the passengers were held hostage for days. The Indian government made a difficult decision to negotiate with the hijackers, eventually releasing prisoners in exchange for the hostages freedom. This tragic event showed the impact of terrorism and is still haunting India by the activities of the released terrorists with the Pakistan backing, especially Mohammad Masood Azhar founder and leader of Jaish-e-Mohammad.
India’s Support for Afghanistan
India has continuously offered its support to Afghanistan by helping with essential infrastructure and providing humanitarian aid. One of India’s significant projects in Afghanistan is the Afghan Parliament building, which was a gift to support Afghan people to strengthen democracy at the time of the previous Government.
Another major project is the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam, also known as the Salma Dam, which India built to support Afghanistan’s agriculture and energy needs. The dam provides irrigation water for farming and electricity, helping Afghan people improve their quality of life.
India also built the Zaranj-Delaram Highway, connecting Afghanistan to Iran and supporting Afghan trade. By building these infrastructure projects, India has helped Afghanistan strengthen its economy and create more opportunities for its people.
In addition to infrastructure, India has helped Afghan students by offering scholarships to study in Indian universities. Education is vital for Afghanistan’s future, and India believes that supporting Afghan youth will contribute to a progressive Afghanistan, specially when education for girls has become a serious concern under Taliban rule. In times of need, India has provided food, medicine, and even COVID-19 vaccines to the Afghan people, showing a commitment to Afghanistan’s welfare.
Cricket: A Sport That Brings Friends Closer
Cricket has played an essential role in bringing India and Afghanistan even closer. Afghan players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have become popular in India and are celebrated in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Seven Afghan players has been bought by different IPL teams in November 2024 IPL auction. Cricket has become a bridge between the two countries, creating shared excitement and joy. For Afghan fans, cricket is also a source of hope and inspiration, as they see players from their country achieving success.
India has also supported Afghan cricket by providing training, coaching, and access to world-class facilities. When Afghanistan’s cricket team needed a home ground, India offered them stadiums in cities like Greater Noida and Dehradun, allowing Afghan players to train and play international matches. This support has helped Afghan cricket grow and inspired a new generation of players in Afghanistan.
Current Relationship and Afghan Perspectives
Today, India and Afghanistan continue to share a strong relationship. Many Afghan people have positive feelings toward India due to the years of support they have received. A survey conducted states 69% of Afghan people consider India as their best friend. However, the current situation is more complex, with the Taliban in power since 2021. While the Taliban’s leaders may have different opinions, most of the senior leaders view India as a friend. At the same time, Pakistan’s influence on the Taliban before was always a concern for India.
The Taliban and Pakistan Tensions
The Taliban and Pakistan have had a complicated relationship. While Pakistan supported the Taliban in the past, recent tensions have risen over border and security issues. India watches these developments closely, as any instability in Afghanistan can affect the region’s peace.
Conclusion: Strengthening Ties in a Changing World
As we reach 25 years of the Kandahar hijack, we are reminded of both the challenges and the strength of the India-Afghanistan relationship. Even as India faces diplomatic difficulties with other neighbors like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives who where former allies, Afghanistan remains friendly even under Taliban regime.
By continuing to support Afghanistan in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, India can help build a stronger future for both countries. Indo Afghan friendship will always remain a key element while dealing on the tensions with Pakistan.
