Taliban Officials are attending India’s Online Training Program. The Taliban-led Foreign Ministry of Afghanistan has informed its diplomats to participate in an online training program provided by India from March 14 to March 17, 2023. This has been a significant development between India and Afghanistan, and it has raised many brows worldwide.
According to a memo released by the Ministry in Kabul, officials from the Taliban government in Kabul will be attending a four-day Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training program that will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode. This program is supported by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Program (ITEC), which belongs to the Indian Foreign Affairs and is open to students around the world.
This news has sparked angry reactions online from Afghan students who have been unable to complete their education in India, as New Delhi canceled all existing visas after the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021. Despite this, India has reportedly offered representatives of the Taliban government in Afghanistan an opportunity to take part in its four-day virtual course about “Immersing with Indian thoughts” being conducted by IIM under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
It is essential to note that India has not officially recognized the Taliban regime yet. However, the External Affairs Ministry’s invitation to the Taliban is being seen as a step by India in engaging with the group without recognizing the regime. Moreover, the Course is open to students “around the world,” and the memo also added that those fluent in English could enroll in the program.
The Taliban memo has been released by the director general of diplomacy, Mufti Nurullah Azzam, and has caught the attention of many international news outlets. Several news agencies, including the Khaama Press News Agency and ABP Live, have reported the news, and it has garnered significant attention worldwide. Many have expressed concern about India’s decision to provide training to Taliban diplomats, given the country’s history with the Taliban.
It is essential to understand that training programs like these are not uncommon, and many countries provide training and educational opportunities to foreign students. These programs are often organized by governments, non-profit organizations, or educational institutions and aim to foster diplomatic relations, promote cultural exchange, and provide skill-building opportunities.
However, this particular program has raised questions about India’s stance on the Taliban and the potential implications of engaging with the group. India has traditionally maintained close ties with Afghanistan and has been involved in several development projects in the country. The decision to invite Taliban officials to participate in the program is seen as an attempt by India to engage with the group and understand its intentions.
The move has also been criticized by some, who argue that it legitimizes the Taliban regime and sends a wrong message to the international community. Many Afghans who have been displaced by the Taliban’s takeover of the country have expressed concern about India’s decision to engage with the group, given the atrocities committed by the Taliban in the past.
Despite the criticism, India has defended its decision to provide training to the Taliban. The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that the program is part of India’s longstanding policy of supporting the development of Afghanistan and promoting peace and stability in the region.