Link to article: https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-india-kabul-new-delhi-pakistan-536ea95c14120a3012403673498770bd
In the past few years, tensions have risen and chaos has ensued between the three bordering countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Between India and Pakistan disputes over the Kashmir region have escalated into military skirmishes where 40 Indian soldiers were killed by Pakistani-backed militants, according to the Indian government. This political divide has also been fueled by both countries containing nuclear arms and tension between Muslims and Hindus. Simultaneously after the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, the western-backed government fell and the Taliban, took control of the nation, causing mass famine and economic collapse.
In response to this famine, India announced it would send tons of wheat to the famine-ridden country over three months ago. Finally, Pakistan and India have agreed to conditions that would allow for an Indian envoy to travel through Pakistan to the Afghani capital of Kabul. In tandem with this Indian envoy, the Pakistani and Iranian governments have sent resources to Afghanistan and encouraged other states to send resources.
Even though India, Pakistan, and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan are coordinating for this humanitarian crisis this will do little to nothing to warm relations between the South Asian rivals. For example, Pakistan and India are not likely to establish their normal trade and diplomatic ties that existed before the military skirmishes in Kashmir. Also, India helped train the forces overthrown by the Taliban and has yet to return diplomats to the Afghani capital of Kabul after the United States announced its military withdrawal from the country.
India is sending resources also to Afghanistan for its national interest. India is emerging as the main power in the South Asian realm. Therefore, India believes they have the full authority to ensure stabilization in the region. Famine and disease almost always cause instability that leads to chaos and violence. Therefore by sending resources to Afghanistan, India hopes they can help stabilize South Asia.
This cooperation highlights the importance of liberal organizations in solving the collective goods problem. Most wealthy countries, like Pakistan and India, have an interest in preventing humanitarian crises. The United Nations is one of these organizations and they have been expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis by appealing to states to send resources to Afghanistan as, “1 million children are in danger of starving and 90% of Afghans live below the poverty level of just $1.90 a day.” India’s and Pakistan’s coordination and assistance to Afghanistan help forward the United Nations’ sustainability rules of “No Poverty”, “Zero Hunger”, and more.