The Forum for Global Studies, New Delhi, a multidisciplinary global think tank organised an international round table on theme ‘Afghan crisis: Geopolitical Implications’, held on 11 September 2021. The programme started with the welcome speech delivered by FGS Founder and President Dr. Sandeep Tripathi. He extended a warm welcome to all the eminent scholars- Dr. Rajan Kumar, Associate professor at School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi, Ms. Barbara Kelemen, Research Fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies, Slovakia, Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, Former Ambassador to Jordan, Libya, and Malta, Mr. Irfan Yar, founder and Managing Director, Afghan Security Institute, Ottawa, Canada, Prof. Cassio Eduardo Zen, Professor of International Law, Faculdade de Pinhais, Brazil, and Mr. Don Mclain Gill, Director, Research at Forum for Global Studies and Fellow at the International Development and Security Cooperation, Philippines.
The programme was moderated by Mr. Don Mclain Gill, who highlighted the importance of Afghanistan in the geopolitical setup in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. He stressed on Afghanistan’s strategic location as a energy trade route and as a historical transit route for movement of people and goods between Asia, Africa and Europe. He raised the question for the discussants on the implications of the on-going changes in Afghanistan with the Taliban taking power in Kabul. Dr. Rajan Kumar pointed towards the question of what the world has learnt in the past 20 years. He highlighted the criticisms revolving around US policies in Iraq and Afghanistan in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. He opined that the uncertainty around the US’ main objective in Afghanistan, between counterterrorism, nation building exercise or as a regime change exercise is one of the major reasons for US’ failure.
On the question of how India is impacted by these developments and how India should move ahead, Ambassador Anil Trigunayat explained terrorism as India’s main concern. He highlighted that India and the world needs to focus on the real powers behind the Taliban. He pointed that Taliban’s powers and directions emerge from Pakistan and political circles in Qatar. The distinguished discussant remarked that India will have to embolden its capacities against forces of radicalization, both at the border and inside the territory, as Pakistan will continue to remain a heaven for encouraging terrorism directed towards India.
Panellist from Slovakia, Ms Kelemen articulated on the role of China’s increasing footprints in the region in recent times. She opined that Afghanistan is going to present China more challenges than opportunities. She said that China has strategic, economic and security interests in Afghanistan. According to her, China will call for boosting counterterrorism capabilities in Afghanistan, but the question will be what form this will take, considering Pakistan and its support to the terror groups.
Mr Irfan Yar expressed his views on how international community sees these changes in Afghanistan and whether engagement is a better option instead of confrontation. He opined that different states have varying relations with the Taliban. He highlighted the various reasons for the rise of the Taliban after the withdrawal of Soviets three decades back and how they have been able to sustain under the two decades of US presence in Afghanistan. He expressed his concerns about the rule of law under Taliban. He explained how Taliban rules with an iron fist and with strict laws. According to him, Taliban will need to adopt a moderate form of governance and provide rights to the people of Afghanistan in order to be accepted by the international community.
Prof. Cassio explained what the international law says about recognition to Taliban and how it can impact future of inter-state relations. He highlighted that till now no one has recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. He then articulated on the doctrines related to the recognition of governments in international law. He stressed on the complexity of Afghanistan and that Taliban cannot be considered as the only political actor in Afghanistan
The session concluded with closing remarks and vote of thanks from Ms. Vaishanavi Singh, Honorary Fellow, Forum for Global Studies, to all the panelists and participants.