India's Strategic Return to Kabul Amidst Iran's Turmoil: Checkmating China-Pakistan

• India has fully reactivated its embassy in Kabul, sending Karan Yadav as envoy, while the Taliban appointed Noor Ahmad Noor as ambassador to New Delhi.
• This move comes as Iran, India's gateway to Central Asia, faces severe civil unrest and potential 'regime change' threats from the US.
• India's presence in Afghanistan aims to balance the growing influence of China and Pakistan and secure its access to Central Asia, especially if the Chabahar Port route through Iran is disrupted.
• The Taliban, seeking international legitimacy and development, has invited India to complete unfinished projects like Salma Dam and the Afghan Parliament.
• This diplomatic shift challenges Pakistan's strategic depth and counters China's 'debt policy' by offering a 'development' model to Afghanistan.

Why It Matters: India's strategic re-engagement in Afghanistan secures its regional interests amidst Iran's instability and counters rivals.