India, the world’s most populous country, is a major economic and political power in South Asia. Known for its vast linguistic, cultural, and geographic diversity, India has a rich history that spans thousands of years, with deep-rooted traditions in philosophy, science, art, and religion. Its large population and vast history mark its economic and cultural importance.
While India’s civilization can be traced to the Harrapan era, that is, 1400 BCE, its modern political boundaries were established in 1947 when it gained independence from British rule. It is now a federal parliamentary democracy with 28 states and 8 union territories, with New Delhi as its capital. India has a democratic system with a multiparty political landscape, with the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party being the two dominant national parties.
As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India is a global hub for technology, manufacturing, and services, while also being an agrarian powerhouse. It is a nuclear-armed state and plays a key role in regional and global geopolitics, maintaining strategic partnerships with various nations.
India is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse countries in the world, home to multiple religions, sects, castes, and tribes. It has more than ten-thousand languages and hundreds of regional dialects, with Hindi and English serving as the two of the 22 official languages. Despite economic progress, India faces challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and environmental concerns, alongside managing its complex social fabric and regional disparities.
Leave, once an anti Pakistan establishment takes shape. Right now it is pro Pakistan group who is calling the shots. There is good merit in promoting Pukhtoonistan movement which will combine Pakistani Pakhtuns and Afghanistan Pakhtuns into one nation. Situation is rife for this to take place. Once it starts, India will have no business in Afghanistan.
S.GUPTA is appreciated for continuity and fidelity in his ideas. This article deserves to be studied by all the experts – or supposedly – of the Afghan question, but also by the MEA bureaucrats and of course by the students. This article is visionary: it clearly explains what the Afghan question is, the stakes, the risks for India. It shows that many states have gone astray in Afghanistan. India, staying away from this country, would be a winner in the long run. Perhaps there lies the solution to the division of 1947. Afghanistan could be Vietnam from Pakistan. We have also seen the consequences of the arms race launched by the United States, on the USSR. Afghanistan could eventually lead to the break-up of Pakistan.
Plausible ……
Agree entirely. If we are generous, we should acknowledge that Pakistan has more legitimate interests in Afghanistan than India does. A long border, the Durand Line, which is in contention, Pathans and other refugees living in Pakistan. Our one abiding fear is of terrorism arising out of this Af – Pak entity. China and Russia are equally concerned, for they have restive Muslim populations living close by. Economically, Afghanistan is of little consequence to India, although it is believed to have a trillion dollar hoard of minerals. Let Pakistan earn America’s gratitude by brokering an honorable exit from a war that has become a quagmire. 2. Afghans have suffered enormously over the last forty years. The world should be generous with its financial assistance for reconstruction. My one abiding request to the Taliban would be : The girls and women of Afghanistan have tasted freedom, with education and economic empowerment. Don’t send them back behind a veil, let them breathe free.
@ashok
“The world should be generous with its financial assistance for reconstruction.”
The world couldn’t care less for the Afghan people.