The upcoming visit of US Defence Secretary to India is expected to see discussions on larger Indian role in securing Afghanistan.
What is the changing geo-politics?
The developments in Afghanistan in the 1970s and 1980s saw the United States deepening its partnership with Pakistan to the dismay of India.
The closer relationship of India with US since the early 2000s, however had disagreements with regard to Afghanistan.
The recent US administration has demanded Pakistan to end its destabilising role in Afghanistan by providing safe havens to the Taliban and other terror networks.
US has also singled out India among the neighbours of Pakistan to play a larger role in Afghanistan.
India and US talking about collaboration in Afghanistan marks an important shift in the international relations of South Asia.
What could India's role in Afghanistan be?
Security is today a precondition for development in Afghanistan which is fighting against the Pakistan-backed Taliban.
India and US are aware that stronger external military support is essential for Afghanistan, for any effort on development to pay fruits.
India has recently announced its plans to expand security assistance to Afghanistan by training police officers, as part of a UNDP project.
The earlier fear of straining the relationship with Pakistan and the US resistance for India's role in Afghanistan are all changing now in favour of India.
India should thus capitalise on this developing regional politics for its benefits.
As a regional power with high stakes in stabilising its north western frontiers, Delhi will inevitably have to do more in Afghanistan.
Finalising the talks on India-US security cooperation in Afghanistan, when the US defence secretary visit India, can help India to have a more defining role in Afghanistan.
