India, May 26 -- On May 15 last, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar sprang a surprise by speaking with the Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. India has not recognized the Taliban Government in Afghanistan yet. Why then did the Indian Foreign Minister speak with the Acting Foreign Minister? Actually, the significance of this conversation lies in the timing of it. It took place in less than a week after the Indo-Pak ceasefire was declared and the brief armed confrontation between the two countries was paused.

It is important to note that India and Afghanistan share a history longer than some earlier civilizations, with India extending a firm hand of aid, cooperation and recognition. Their relationship can be ...