India and Pakistan Strategic Influence in Afghanistan: Pros and Cons of Rivalry

Abstract

The geo-strategic location of Afghanistan is one of the important factors in its destabilization in post-9/11 era as it was in the late 1970s. The society of Afghanistan is composed of distinct ethnic groups supported by neighbouring states exacerbating instability to promote their interests. The regional powers always tried to influence this state to achieve their strategic objectives. India and Pakistan are involved in different activities to promote their divergent goals in this country for many decades. They supported contrasting regimes in Afghanistan to strengthen their influence and counter their historical rivalry like in other conflicts and institutions. So, far the strategies of both the countries are successful but their goals are counterproductive in bringing normalcy to Afghanistan. This research paper aimed to highlight the strategic battle between India and Pakistan in Afghanistan. The theory applied in this research is balance and power with formation of alliances. Afghanistan formed alliance with India in post-9/11 era to outwit the influence of Pakistan. The results concluded from this study primarily entails that the directions of policies of these two rivals could be more productive if reconciliation is embraced instead of conflict