India, Afghanistan and Pakistan: Power, Pragmatism and the Taliban | Afghan Eye Podcast

In this episode of the Afghan Eye Podcast, Sangar Paykhar speaks with Indian strategic analyst Sushant Sareen about the rapidly shifting geopolitics of South Asia.The conversation examines India’s evolving engagement with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, rising tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, and Pakistan’s deteriorating leverage over Afghan affairs. Sareen offers a candid Indian perspective on regional stability, sovereignty, and why Afghanistan remains central to Asian geopolitics despite Western disengagement.Key topics discussed include:India’s pragmatic approach to the Taliban since 2021Afghanistan–Pakistan tensions and cross-border security crisesThe limits of coercion and proxy politics in the regionConnectivity via Iran, Chabahar, and Central AsiaWhy Afghanistan still matters in a multipolar AsiaSushant Sareen's page: https://www.orfonline.org/people-expert/sushant-sareenSushant Sareen on X: https://x.com/sushantsareenSupport the show♦ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Afgeye ♦ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/afghaneye ♦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghaneyeinsta/ ♦ X: https://X.com/AfgEye♦ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yb4sz7bh ♦ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycjlytsz ♦ Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y5qsvqq2

In this episode of the Afghan Eye Podcast, Sangar Paykhar speaks with retired Pakistani Army Major Adil Raja for a rare, wide-ranging conversation on power, policy, and politics in Pakistan, and what they mean for Afghanistan. Adil Raja discusses Islamabad’s Afghanistan policy, the enduring influence of the intelligence services, the politics of militancy narratives, and why negotiations between Kabul and Islamabad so often collapse. The conversation also explores: - Who actually negotiates with Afghanistan on Pakistan’s behalf - The legacy of “strategic depth” and the Durand Line - Pakistan’s signalling to Washington through counterterrorism claims - Gulf and Turkish influence in South Asia - Afghanistan’s diplomatic agency despite economic isolation - The personal cost of dissent within Pakistan’s security state This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand Afghanistan–Pakistan relations, civil–military imbalance in Pakistan, and the wider geopolitics of South and Central Asia. Support Adil Raja's work: https://soldierspeaks.org/Support the show♦ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Afgeye ♦ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/afghaneye ♦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghaneyeinsta/ ♦ X: https://X.com/AfgEye♦ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yb4sz7bh ♦ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycjlytsz ♦ Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y5qsvqq2

In this episode, Sangar Paykhar speaks with Ahmad-Waleed Kakar, about his latest article exploring Pakistan’s deepening identity crisis. Triggered by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s remark calling Mahmud of Ghazni a “plunderer”, the discussion unpacks how Pakistan is renegotiating its relationship with the very historical figures that once shaped its ideological foundations. Far more than a debate about medieval history, this conversation traces the crisis through Pakistan’s shifting national myths, the military’s search for legitimacy, and Islamabad’s evolving relationship with the Islamic Emirate in Kabul. Read Ahmed-Waleed Kakar's article here: https://afghaneye.net/2025/12/08/pakistan-identity-crisis/Support the show♦ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Afgeye ♦ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/afghaneye ♦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghaneyeinsta/ ♦ X: https://X.com/AfgEye♦ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yb4sz7bh ♦ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycjlytsz ♦ Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y5qsvqq2

In this episode of the Afghan Eye Podcast, Sangar Paykhar speaks with Muhammed Enes, Chief Editor of MEPA News, about how Turkish foreign policy understands Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the shifting geopolitics of the wider region. Enes explains why Turkish media initially echoed Islamabad’s narrative during the recent tensions along the Durand Line, how public opinion in Turkey began to reassess Pakistan’s role, and why Ankara now views Kabul with growing seriousness. The discussion also covers Qatar–Turkey mediation efforts, the move of negotiations towards Saudi Arabia, and the domestic political debate inside Turkey about engaging with the Islamic Emirate. This conversation offers rare insight into how Ankara balances Western pressure, regional ambitions, and its own ideological divisions while trying to navigate an increasingly multipolar world. 🔹 About the Guest Muhammed Enes is the Chief Editor of MEPA News, a Turkish outlet specialising in Middle Eastern and Eurasian affairs. His analysis focuses on the intersection of Turkish domestic politics, regional diplomacy and emerging geopolitical alignments. https://www.mepanews.com/Support the show♦ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Afgeye ♦ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/afghaneye ♦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghaneyeinsta/ ♦ X: https://X.com/AfgEye♦ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yb4sz7bh ♦ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycjlytsz ♦ Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y5qsvqq2

In this episode of the Afghan Eye Podcast, host Sangar Paykhar speaks with American author and broadcaster Scott Horton, for a deep dive into the shifting geopolitical landscape of post-US-withdrawal Afghanistan and Pakistan. Horton, known for his libertarian critique of American interventionism and for books such as 'A Fool’s Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan' and 'Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terror', discusses: - Afghanistan after 2021 - Pakistan’s internal crisis - The United States’ future in the region - Great-power rivalry & regional realignments This wide-ranging conversation examines the legacies of war, the dangers of proxy militancy, and the evolving geopolitical order from Kabul to Washington and beyond. 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and analysis on Afghanistan, South Asia, and global geopolitics. 📩 Follow Afghan Eye on Twitter/X: @AFGEYE 🌐 Visit our website: AfghanEye.netSupport the show♦ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Afgeye ♦ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/afghaneye ♦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghaneyeinsta/ ♦ X: https://X.com/AfgEye♦ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yb4sz7bh ♦ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycjlytsz ♦ Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y5qsvqq2

In this Afghan Eye Podcast episode, host Sangar Paykhar speaks with Pakistani investigative journalist Waqas Ahmed about the 27th Constitutional Amendment, a move that could fundamentally reshape Pakistan’s political future.The discussion explores how this amendment, introduced on 8 November 2025, effectively elevates Field Marshal Asim Munir to an all-powerful, constitutionally protected position as Chief of Defence Forces, beyond civilian oversight. Critics say this change dismantles the 1973 Constitution’s democratic balance and cements a permanent military state.Waqas Ahmed shares exclusive insights on: 🇵🇰 The military’s role in removing Imran Khan ⚖️ How the new amendment destroys civilian supremacy 💣 Why Pakistan’s nuclear control structure is being re-engineered 💵 The geopolitical motives behind refugee expulsions and renewed U.S. alignment 🤝 What this means for Afghanistan, India, and the wider regionThis is a deep dive into Pakistan’s drift toward authoritarianism, its regional ambitions, and the dangers of unchecked military power, explained by one of Pakistan’s most outspoken journalists.🎙️ Guest: Waqas Ahmed — Investigative Journalist (The Intercept, DropSite News, Express Tribune)Follow him on X: @worqas Subscribe for more in-depth analysis on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the region.👉 Follow us on:X (Twitter): @AFGEYEInstagram: @afghaneyeinstaPatreon: patreon.com/AfgeyeWebsite: www.afghaneye.netSupport the show♦ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Afgeye ♦ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/afghaneye ♦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghaneyeinsta/ ♦ X: https://X.com/AfgEye♦ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yb4sz7bh ♦ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycjlytsz ♦ Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y5qsvqq2

In this Afghan Eye Podcast, journalist Ali Mustafa joins Sangar Paykhar to explain how Pakistan’s military courted Donald Trump and how that diplomacy helped set the stage for today’s looming conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mustafa, a seasoned international journalist who has covered the Global War on Terror, reveals how Pakistan’s generals flattered and influenced Trump, shaping Washington’s Afghanistan. As tensions now rise along the Durand Line, this conversation explores how the legacy of those years continues to define the region’s fragile peace and why another war may be closer than many think. Support the show♦ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Afgeye ♦ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/afghaneye ♦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghaneyeinsta/ ♦ X: https://X.com/AfgEye♦ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yb4sz7bh ♦ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycjlytsz ♦ Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y5qsvqq2

Kabul’s water is vanishing and no one is coming to help. In this episode of the Afghan Eye Podcast, host Sangar Paykhar speaks with environmental activist Sayedmuhammad Sulimankhil, co-founder of Samsoor Watan, about the terrifying scale of the water crisis in Afghanistan’s capital. From personal stories of water shortages to broken infrastructure, climate injustice, and international indifference, Sulimankhil paints a sobering portrait of a city on the verge of ecological collapse and explains what must be done before it’s too late. Contact Sulimankhil via: https://samsoorwatan.org/ instagram.com/samsoor_watan +93 78 250 3365 [email protected] the show♦ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Afgeye ♦ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/afghaneye ♦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghaneyeinsta/ ♦ X: https://X.com/AfgEye♦ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yb4sz7bh ♦ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycjlytsz ♦ Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y5qsvqq2

In this episode, host Sangar Paykhar sits down with renowned Indian scholar Dr Shanthie Mariet D’Souza to unpack India’s evolving strategy towards Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. With decades of fieldwork and policy research experience, Dr D’Souza offers a rare and candid insight into how New Delhi balances engagement with restraint. We explore: 🔹 Why India hasn’t recognised the Taliban 🔹 The realpolitik behind India’s regional policy 🔹 Afghanistan’s role in India’s Central Asia strategy 🔹 Tensions with Pakistan and their impact on connectivity 🔹 Outcomes of the Termez Dialogue and future regional cooperation Dr D’Souza explains how India navigates its historical ties, security concerns, and economic interests—all while maintaining a cautious diplomatic posture toward Kabul’s new rulers. Contact Dr D'Souza: [email protected] the show♦ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Afgeye ♦ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/afghaneye ♦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghaneyeinsta/ ♦ X: https://X.com/AfgEye♦ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yb4sz7bh ♦ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycjlytsz ♦ Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y5qsvqq2

In this powerful episode of the Afghan Eye podcast, host Sangar Paykhar speaks with renown Afghan journalist Ali Latifi about the deepening crisis facing Afghan refugees expelled from Iran. With first-hand reporting from the Islam Qala border and over 15 years covering displacement and migration, Ali shares harrowing testimonies from returnees—many of whom were beaten, robbed, and deported with nothing. From the racism Afghans face in Iran to the disarray they encounter back in Afghanistan, this conversation uncovers the systemic failures of international aid, the neglect of returnees, and the global complicity in turning Afghans into scapegoats. We also discuss: The political motives behind Iran’s mass deportations The dire situation at Afghanistan’s border camps The failure of NGOs and international donors What Afghans themselves are doing to help Why the diaspora must raise its voice 📌 Follow Ali Latifi on X/Twitter: @alibomaye 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and in-depth analysis on Afghanistan’s geopolitics, history, and society.Support the show♦ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Afgeye ♦ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/afghaneye ♦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghaneyeinsta/ ♦ X: https://X.com/AfgEye♦ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yb4sz7bh ♦ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycjlytsz ♦ Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y5qsvqq2