The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 9

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 9

India & Afghanistan – Emerging Scenario – India and Afghanistan, Islamic Emirite of Afghanisatn, historically share civilizational links - Both nations share deep cultural, linguistic, and trade connections that date back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Emperor Ashoka's efforts to spread Buddhism also

strengthened these bonds. Afghan dynasties, such as the Ghazni and Lodhi, played a significant role in shaping the politics and culture of the Indian subcontinent. Afghanistan was the only country to oppose Pakistan's membership at the UN in 1947, highlighting early political ties with India. The relationship was officially formalized with a Treaty of Friendship signed in 1950. India was the only South Asian nation to recognize the Soviet-backed government and provided it with humanitarian aid. India supported the Northern Alliance in the 1990s and advocated for Afghanistan's membership in the SAARC in 2005. Following the Taliban's return to power, India closed its embassy but maintained a small diplomatic mission to handle humanitarian and trade issues. Despite not formally recognizing the Taliban regime, India has resumed dialogue and engagement, including reopening its embassy in Kabul as of October 2025. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his recent visit assured New Delhi that the Afghan soil will not be allowed for carrying out any activities that could be detrimental to India’s interests. It seems both the partners have realized that we need to strengthen our bonds of cooperation to mutual advantage to meet the challenge of merging geo-political and security scenario in Asia and the world at large. The relationship is now focused on humanitarian aid, regional security, and ensuring stability, while navigating the challenges posed by the Taliban's policies, particularly regarding human rights. India is not and should not be interested in internal matters of Afghanistan including treatment and status of women etc. We should focus on larger issues of security, terrorism and trade and also people to people contact as ‘contiguous neighbors’ as rightly termed by EAM S. Jaishankar. I conclude this with a quote from an article in the Tribune written by its Chief Editor, Jyoti Malhotra, “Breakfast in Delhi, lunch in Amritsar-if-you-can’t-go-to-Lahore and dinner in Kabul? As Dr Manmohan Singh’s famous phrase resounds across the ether, you can imagine him having the last laugh somewhere. “Afghans are somewhat over-zealous about their honour and dignity, sometimes, misplaced too. I recall a diplomatic anecdote in this regard. In the wake of regime change in Afghanistan in mid 1970s, President Mohammad Daoud Khan sent his Special Envoy to India. The Indian side, as per the laid down protocol, arranged a call and meeting of the Special Envoy with the then EAM Swaran Singh

in the EAM’s office in South Block. Accordingly, Protocol Officer went to the Hotel of the Special Envoy to escort him to the call and meeting with the EAM. But to his surprise, the Special Envoy refused to go on the pretext that he was senior as the Special Envoy of the President of Afghanistan and as such EAM Swaran Singh should call on him. Protocol Officer immediately conveyed this diplomatic hitch to EAM. Swaran Singh, as usual on such undiplomatic irritations laughed and agreed to receive the high-profile visitor and advised the Persian Interpreter, R.A.K. Sherwani who was present in the EAM’s office to help the two leaders to interact. The cool and suave, EAM Swaran Singh graciously allowed the Special Envoy of Afghanistan to carry his misplaced ego. Diplomacy cannot be a slave of rigidity. Indian diplomacy has come full circle.

Jo Hai Pardon Mein Pinhan, Chashm-e-Beena Dekh Leti Hai
Zamane Ki Tabiyat Ka Taqaza Dekh Leti Hai

(The discerning eye sees everything covered in veils
It does see the exigencies of the nature of times)

Sinister Design to undermine Babasaheb Ambedkar – Of late, it has been observed that a sinister design to underline and negate Babasaheb Ambedkar has been started in the social media after the shameful throwing of a shoe on the CJI B. R. Gavai in the Supreme Court of India. Many Facebook accounts and posts do appear daily not only to support and eulogize Rakesh Kishore a so called Sanatani but also to target the dalit communities in general. The hardcore Manuwadis never admitted and accepted Babasaheb Ambedkar as the father of the Indian Constitution and always tried to undermine his sterling role in making the Constitution of India by invoking

the name of B.N. Rau who was an Aide/Advisor to the Constituent Assembly. That sinister campaign has again been unleashed with added alacrity. It becomes all the more worrisome when it is noticed that these biased and vested posts are shared and repeated by some known and prominent volunteers (Swayamsevaks) and cadres of  Hindu socio-political outfits. On the other hand, in retaliation, some followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar also resort to mud-slinging and term B.N. Rau as a clerk to help Babasaheb Ambedkar. It is also unfair to B.N. Rau who played his designated role in the process making of the Constitution to India. We all should desist from this exercise of twisting the history – the sooner the better.

Ai Munkare Jaat Teri Behas Mussallam;

Magar YunWoh Kuch Aur Numaya Nazar Atta Hai