Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions? (Answer in 250 words)

Afghanistan-post-US withdrawal has made the ties of India with Indian, even different. TRAQI, SIKRIT call Afghanistan as 'age of uncertainty' Geo-strategic significance of Afghanistan with respect to access to central Asia: (1) Afghanistan - part of the broader connectivity to central Asia and draw line broader Chabahar (2) central to connect central asia - apart past [East & Look west policy] Effects of Altered political landscape post-2021 on connectivity and energy corridor ambitions: (1) Lack of formal ties with Afghanistan (2) Official embassy withdraw in the aftermath (3) Pakistan/Afghanistan as 'Strategy Beta' - defying PAC Axis (4) Creating PAI Axis - Pakistan afghanistan china hindering any policy making (5) Huge infra project in Afghanistan by INDIA - Scheme DARA Delaram-Zaranj HW all under the risk

3. central to INSTC → North-south connectivity Effects of Altered political landscape post-2021 on connectivity and energy corridor ambitions: (1) Lack of formal ties with Afghanistan (2) Official embassy withdraw in the aftermath (3) Pakistan/Afghanistan as 'Strategy Beta' - defying PAC Axis (4) Creating PAI Axis - Pakistan afghanistan china hindering any policy making (5) Huge infra project in Afghanistan by INDIA - Scheme DARA Delaram-Zaranj HW all under the risk

6. India's Connect Central Asia - took a hit 7. Lack of engagement post then Recent changes: (1) MEA Secretary Vikram Misri → bilateral contact officially seeing (2025) (2) recognising Taliban as 'Republic' by INDIA to secure it's interest strategically (3) used SCOR a platform to negotiate (4) Reviving Afro SAARC in this backdrop Thus, Afghanistan-Taliban led crisis has hindered India's central Asia connectivity. India needs to show strategic maturity in dealing.

— Kiran Kamate · AIR 53