INDIA'S AFGHAN POLICY.

The notion of security widening from traditional to non-traditional threats and the changing geo-economic strategies, has resulted in revamping foreign policies of the contemporary nation-states. Realizing this, India also comprehended new outlooks and orientations to deal with rest of the world. Nevertheless, her foreign policy aspirations for socio-economic development, security and peace are dependent on a peaceful and prosperous neighbourhood. Its 'Connect Central Asia Policy' and 'Peaceful Co-existence Principle' provides due recognition to the core and peripheral neighbourhood, particularly, Central Asia in relation to geo-economic, geo-strategic and geo-political aspects. In this respect, Afghanistan also provides a suitable route for India to achieve her foreign policy aspirations in the regional and global context, because of the geo-strategic location of Afghanistan in between South, Central, West and East Asia, as well as the involvement of world powers in this war-torn nation since 9/11. India's assistance to rebuild Afghanistan reaches US $ 2 billion with the recognition of being largest regional and fifth international donor in this process. India has completed various projects in this troubled country regarding socio-economic development, science and technology upgradation, civil infrastructure, human resource development and capacity building in the areas of education, health, agriculture etc. India attempts to work for a stable, secure, peaceful, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan that holds the political, strategic and economic significance for her to assure a strong foothold for regional aspirations as Afghanistan falls in both South as well as Central Asian region. However, there are various constraints before India to meet and promote her interests in Afghanistan. These challenges have become more complex with the resurgence of Taliban, the return of Pakistan factor in Afghan politics and the US-led ISAF withdrawal. Thus, the study is an attempt to explore India's changing foreign policy aspirations, in general, and her Afghan policy, in particular, to provide an insight towards 'emerging India' as a significant regional and global player of current day international politics. With the vision of 'Asian Century,' India has a major role to play making this dream a reality where, in addition of investment and assistance, efforts for converting hatred into love, improving the efficacy of regional organizations as well as resolving amicably the international and inter-regional issues - all needs a humane approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]