Indian needs to distinguish between Afghan Taliban led by Mulla Omar and Pakistan-sponsored jihadists. Taliban led by Mulla Omar from Afghanistan has not verifiable muttered a word on anti-India statement. There have been some statements on Kashmir, but, there has been no threat on the Indian integrity. The Afghan terrorist in Kashmir are Gulbuddin Heckmatyar’s men. In past the Taliban has denied that it has helped armed Islamic terrorism in India. There have been references that Pakistani terrorist have given a bad name to Afghan Taliban because of the bombings. Taliban’s has acknowledged the Indian relations with Afghanistan at the same time criticised India for support to Soviet occupation, Najib Government and now support to Northern Alliance.

Talking to Taliban

Afghan Taliban and al-Qaeda are the main enemies of the US of A and not India. India has built up an equity by development of Afghanistan. USA is exploring to talk with the Afghan Taliban, why not India? India should engage all sides of this problem. India has the fear that Taliban was raised by infamous ISI, the Pakistani spy agency. On the other hand, Afghan Taliban has been on record that it does not export terror to India or Afghan neighbors. It was the handy work of the ISI that saw terror spread to CIS countries. India should not hesitate to talk to Afghan Taliban.

Why Taliban?

Other than the same reason why US would like to talk to it, India needs to get Afghan Taliban on its side. If US reaches a tacit arrangement in Afghanistan, it could end up being manipulated by Pakistani Army or ISI. Second reason is that Taliban is approachable. Third reason is the influence it can extend on the Pakistani terrorist organisations. India can have leverages which it otherwise lacks with the Pakistani terrorist elements.

Hand over AFPAK to Taliban

In past India has found that it is impossible to deal with Pakistani Army which is constantly in power. Pakistani democracy does not seem to be taking off. Pakistani Muslims do support a “true” Islamic rule. If US can live with an “good” Taliban in Afghanistan, then India can live with a “good” Taliban in Islamabad. India can offer assistance to Afghan Taliban to acquire Islamabad. The Afghan Taliban can roll out a far more peaceful AFPAK than Pakistani Army can provide. One of the fears that India could be harboring is about the radicalization of Muslims in India. It is a possibility, but if you see the map, the flow of Islamisation is smoother in the CIS, Middle east and Chinese occupied Xinjiang than India.

Map depicting Logical Area of Islamisation Flow (Boundary drawn in Violet)

The issue of Kashmir, could be sorted out on lines of Muslim population in Kashmir. The areas dominated by willing Muslims can be traded with the rest of the population in India Kashmir. It will not be practical for Taliban to argue to include Jammu , Ladhak and other areas.

India could also negotiate a buffer zone between the two countries.