India’s engagement with the Taliban has moved forward largely because of a sense of pragmatism in New Delhi despite long-standing suspicions about the militant group in some quarters. Not engaging with the regime in Kabul will leave the field open to other regional players, who have already made moves that could impinge on India’s security interests. Continuing this engagement in a clear-eyed manner could also help manage Kabul’s reaction to any further escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.

However, one of the punitive measures taken by India against Pakistan – the closure of the only operational land border crossing at Attari – has hit Afghan traders, who rely on the check point as the cheapest route to transport a variety of goods to India. India should act quickly to address the concerns of these traders who fear their exports will get blocked. Iran’s Chabahar route can be an alternative route though the costs will be relatively higher. Steps taken by India at this juncture to bolster trade and development cooperation with Afghanistan will go a long way in addressing the economic challenges confronting the Afghan people.