Content:
- The ‘Great Abandonment’ of Afghanistan
- A bad omen for public trust in vaccines
The ‘Great Abandonment’ of Afghanistan
Introduction
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, culminating in the Taliban’s return to power, has been described as the “Great Abandonment.” This geopolitical shift has had far-reaching consequences for Afghanistan and its international engagements. The unfolding developments in Afghanistan and the region highlight India’s evolving policy stance towards the Taliban, juxtaposed against its past strategic alignments with the Republic-led Afghanistan.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Practice Question : Critically analyze India’s evolving engagement with the Taliban-led Afghanistan. What are the key strategic considerations and challenges India faces in balancing pragmatism with its long-term interests in the region? (250 words)
The Historical Context
To understand the present scenario, it is crucial to analyze the historical backdrop that led to the Taliban’s resurgence:
- U.S. Engagement and Withdrawal
- Cold War Era: The U.S. and Pakistan supported the Mujahideen against the Soviet-backed Afghan government (1979-1989).
- Taliban Rule (1996-2001): The Taliban emerged victorious after the Afghan Civil War, establishing an Islamic Emirate.
- Post-9/11 War on Terror: The U.S.-led invasion (2001) toppled the Taliban, installing a democratic government.
- 2018-2021: U.S.-Taliban Negotiations: The Trump administration initiated direct talks with the Taliban, sidelining the Afghan government. The Doha Accord (2020) led to the conditional withdrawal of U.S. troops.
- 2021 Taliban Takeover: The hasty exit of U.S. forces and the rapid collapse of the Afghan government led to a complete Taliban takeover.
- India’s Role in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Strategic investments: India provided $3 billion in developmental aid, including the construction of the Parliament building, roads, dams, and hospitals.
- Security cooperation: Intelligence-sharing with Afghan agencies, support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).
- Northern Alliance: India maintained historical ties with anti-Taliban groups such as Ahmad Shah Massoud’s faction.
The Present Scenario: The ‘Great Abandonment’
With the Taliban’s consolidation of power, multiple geopolitical shifts have occurred:
- Taliban’s Stranglehold on Afghanistan
- Suppression of women’s rights: Ban on girls’ education and employment.
- Political and economic instability: Dependence on limited international aid and lack of recognition from major powers.
- Factional tensions within the Taliban: Rivalries between Haqqani factions and Kandahari clerics over governance issues.
- Refugee crisis: Pakistan’s expulsion of Afghan refugees, worsening the humanitarian situation.
- India’s Dilemma in Engaging the Taliban
- Limited diplomatic engagement: India maintains a technical mission but hesitates to recognize the Taliban regime.
- Balancing strategic interests: Engaging the Taliban to protect investments while avoiding legitimization of their rule.
- Security concerns: Past Taliban hostility towards India, including attacks on Indian assets and personnel.
- Global Reactions
- Western disengagement: The U.S. and EU have largely withdrawn from Afghan affairs.
- Regional realignment: China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan have deepened engagements with the Taliban.
- India’s cautious approach: Engaging informally while keeping options open for future Afghan political developments.
India’s Evolving Afghanistan Policy
Given Afghanistan’s strategic significance, India must recalibrate its approach through multiple dimensions:
- Strategic Realignment
- Engaging All Stakeholders: India should engage not only the Taliban but also exiled Afghan leaders, women’s groups, and the resistance forces.
- Leveraging Regional Partnerships: India must collaborate with Iran (via Chabahar Port) and Central Asian nations to counterbalance Pakistan’s influence.
- Humanitarian Diplomacy: Expanding aid and educational support for Afghan refugees and dissidents.
- Security and Counterterrorism
- Monitoring Pakistan-backed extremist elements within Afghanistan.
- Strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms with partners like the U.S. and Russia.
- Keeping a strategic presence in Afghanistan while ensuring Indian assets are not vulnerable to Taliban hostility.
- Soft Power Engagement
- Rebuilding India’s lost goodwill among Afghan civilians.
- Advocating for women’s rights and offering asylum to persecuted individuals.
- Strengthening cultural and educational ties with the Afghan diaspora.
Conclusion
The U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban’s return have left Afghanistan in a precarious state, forcing India to rethink its Afghan policy. While engaging with the Taliban is a pragmatic necessity, India must not alienate the broader Afghan populace, especially those resisting Taliban rule. A balanced policy—engaging the regime while supporting democratic and humanitarian efforts—will ensure India’s long-term strategic relevance in Afghanistan.
A bad omen for public trust in vaccines
Context : Historical Distrust in Drug Regulation:
- India has witnessed regulatorylapses in the past (e.g., Ranbaxy scandal, Gennova case) that have weakened public trust.
- The lack of transparency in the approval process has led to skepticism
Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Health)
Practice Question : Public trust in vaccines is crucial for the success of immunization programs. Discuss the challenges posed by the lack of transparency in vaccine approvals, adverse event monitoring, and compensation mechanisms in India. Suggest policy measures to address these concerns. (250 words, 15 marks)
- Concerns Raised in Petitions:
- Alleged failures of vaccines (e.g., anti-rabies vaccine deaths).
- Lack of transparency in clinical trial data and regulatory approval.
- Absence of clear disclosure of side effects for informed consent.
- Deficient pharmacovigilance and monitoring of adverse effects.
- Absence of a structured compensation mechanism for vaccine-related injuries.
- Judicial Role & Limitations:
- Indian courts are slow in adjudicating complex scientific matters.
- Defamation suits by vaccine manufacturers (e.g., Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech) add to public skepticism.
Policy Imperatives and Systemic Reforms
- Enhancing Transparency in Vaccine Approvals:
- CDSCO must disclose names, affiliations, and conflicts of interest of experts involved.
- Raw clinical trial data should be accessible for independent verification.
- Strengthening the Pharmacovigilance System:
- A legally mandated and independent ‘Adverse Event Following Immunisation’ (AEFI) system.
- Real-time monitoring and public reporting of vaccine-related adverse events.
- Ensuring Informed Consent:
- Clear and accessible disclosure of risks, rather than obscure website notices.
- Legislative framework for informed consent outside clinical trials.
- Establishing a Compensation Framework:
- Defining liability of vaccine manufacturers under tort law.
- Transparency in government indemnification clauses in vaccine procurement.
- Dedicated compensation fund for vaccine-related adverse effects.
- Moving from Litigation to Policy Action:
- The Ministry of Health should proactively engage with stakeholders.
- A legislative framework is needed to address concerns beyond judicial interventions.
Conclusion
- Addressing these concerns through policy measures rather than litigation is crucial for restoring public trust.
- Transparency, accountability, and robust monitoring mechanisms will ensure vaccine safety without compromising immunization efforts.
- A proactive approach from the government can prevent further erosion of confidence in public health initiatives.
