Taliban takeover a ‘body blow’ to Indian interests in Afghanistan

Analysts say Taliban’s takeover is a major setback for India, which cultivated close ties with the outgoing government.

The Taliban’s return to power two weeks ago has caused a major diplomatic setback for India, with the South Asian giant being rendered one of the region’s “most disadvantaged” players, analysts say. Within weeks, the Taliban took over the country in a stunning military sweep, as the United States-led foreign forces were on their way out after 20 years – ending the country’s longest overseas war. President Ashraf Ghani, with whom New Delhi had cultivated a close relationship, fled the country as the Taliban surrounded the capital, Kabul.