Indian wheat diplomacy in Afghanistan (Agricultural Diplomacy)

Context

In a significant diplomatic development, the first consignment of 2,500 metric tonnes of Indian wheat was carted from Attari to Kabul.

About

Need of such diplomacy:

Afghanistan is amidst a major food crisis as nearly 23 million Afghans—over half of the population—are facing extreme levels of hunger.
This wheat diplomacy presents New Delhi with the opportunity to establish direct communications with the Taliban regime in Kabul.
India’s investment in Afghanistan:
- The 2011 India-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement recommitted Indian assistance to help rebuild Afghanistan’s infrastructure.
- Unlike in other countries where India’s infrastructure projects have barely started, it has delivered in Afghanistan.
- India’s development assistance is now estimated to be worth well over $3 billion.
- Bilateral trade is now $1.3 billion, with exports from India worth approximately $900 million

India’s stand on Taliban Regime:

India has abstained from recognising the Taliban government; but it has extended humanitarian aid amidst the ongoing food crisis.
Indian officials had previously acknowledged holding a diplomatic meeting with the Taliban in Doha.
India held first India-Central Asia summit in January, which resulted in the formation of a joint working group aimed at tackling the humanitarian emergency and the matter of Taliban recognition. This allowed India to have a role in shaping the view on Afghanistan and gain insights into the ongoing developments from various stakeholders.
Although India has cautioned the international community to deliberate on the consequences of legitimising the Taliban regime, it has expressed its willingness to provide aid to Afghan citizens.