Bridging Borders: How the Indian Factor Affects Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan after the US-Taliban Peace Accord

Regional and local dynamics in Afghanistan have shifted since the US-Taliban peace pact. Pakistan is concerned about Indian involvement in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is geopolitically and strategically linked with Pakistan. After the US takeover of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India's longstanding rivalry entered a new phase. The pro-Indian regime strengthened Indian involvement in Afghanistan during the US occupation. New Delhi, Islamabad's archival, is trying to put Afghanistan in its sphere of influence to isolate Pakistan from its Western and regional politics. India has become more involved in Afghan issues. Pakistan suffered security, strategic, political, and economic consequences. Pakistan anticipated US exit would cease Indian involvement in Afghan affairs, and install a favourable regime. After the takeover, the Taliban urged Indian investment and good relations with India. Pakistan faces security, political, economic, diplomatic issues with Afghanistan. This paper examines the Indian component in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, and the US- Taliban peace pact using Neo-realism, Balance of Power, and Prisoner Dilemma theories.