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Russia’s ‘Afghan Quad’ overtures to India hit a China, Pakistan stumbling block
Moscow wants India to join a coalition alongside its old adversaries, plus Iran – but New Delhi doesn’t seem all that keen
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India is expected to reject Russia’s offer to join the “Afghan Quad”, a coalition that also includes Pakistan and China – in a decision that reflects its unwillingness to engage with rivals on Kabul’s future.
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The four-nation bloc – Iran is the fourth member – was formed with the stated aim of stabilising Afghanistan, a goal aligned with its members’ shared regional interests. Yet for India, joining a coalition that includes its long-standing adversary, Pakistan, would clash with its strategic calculus.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed hope earlier this month that India would join the group, calling it “the right thing to do in Afghanistan”. He also urged India and Pakistan to address each other’s concerns.
However, Pakistan’s involvement is “an automatic red flag” for India, according to Kabir Taneja, deputy director and fellow at the Observer Research Foundation’s Strategic Studies Programme in New Delhi.
He noted Islamabad’s historical support for the Taliban, which has long targeted both Indian and US interests in Afghanistan.
“Islamabad would need to do institutional house cleaning first before such a Quad can be effective beyond just a conference,” Taneja said.
A Quad divided
The “Afghan Quad” most recently convened on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, holding its third meeting to discuss Afghanistan.
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