Afghanistan appears to be playing a diplomatic double game — presenting a friendly face to India while simultaneously strengthening its ties with China and Pakistan. On May 1, Kabul hosted a strategic trilateral meeting involving Pakistan and China. Now, the same three nations are preparing for another high-level round of talks in Beijing on May 20.

What raised eyebrows is a reported discussion during the May 10 meeting, where China and Pakistan allegedly urged Afghanistan to keep India at arm’s length. This comes despite the Taliban-led Afghan regime’s public attempts to maintain cordial ties with New Delhi.

Push for Recognition and Regional Power Play

Behind Afghanistan’s diplomatic maneuvers lies a deeper agenda — gaining formal recognition of the Taliban government from key Asian powers. Recognition from China and Pakistan would be a significant political win, enhancing its legitimacy on the global stage. While India has yet to extend formal recognition, Afghanistan continues to court all three nations in a delicate balancing act.

However, the Taliban’s growing proximity to China and Pakistan — both of which share strategic interests in the region — raises concerns for regional stability and India's security interests.

Tensions Rise After Terror Attack

These developments come at a sensitive time. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. India launched Operation Sindoor in response, with the Taliban unexpectedly voicing support for India. Yet China, in line with its long-standing alliance, continues to back Pakistan.

Now, with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi both scheduled to visit Beijing on May 20, diplomatic dynamics are shifting rapidly.

Afghanistan’s Strategic Gamble

The Taliban regime seems to be testing how far it can go in forging ties with all three nations — India, China, and Pakistan — but such a strategy may not be sustainable. Sooner or later, Afghanistan may be forced to choose a side in the subcontinent’s tense geopolitical triangle.