Conflict or cooperation? The role of India and Pakistan in post-2014 Afghanistan

As the coalition forces prepare to exit Afghanistan, concerns regarding peace and stability
in the country and future power balance after their departure are becoming paramount.
While there will be a considerable American presence, focus has now shifted to local
infrastructure and services - civil, military and political and their ability to further peace and
progress in the country. Owing to the geostrategic landscape of Afghanistan, in addition to
its long conflict ridden history with a significant presence of the Taliban, concerns
regarding revival of conflict and violence are coming to the fore – particularly from
traditional South Asian rivals i.e. India and Pakistan. Through an in-depth study of the
political, economic, cultural and regional dimensions of this tri-lateral relationship, the
following paper examines how there is a significant clash of interests and how there can
cooperation between India and Pakistan in Afghanistan.