Imran Ahmed

Imran Ahmed

Visiting Research Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore

Dr Imran Ahmed is a visiting research fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore. He writes on religion, law and politics in late-colonial India and contemporary Pakistan. His current research projects focus on religion and constitution-making in South Asia, blasphemy laws in Asia and the colonial construction of Indian religions. He has also published articles in various journals such as South Asia, the Journal of Contemporary Asia, Third World Quarterly, The Round Table and the Journal of Law, Religion and State. Dr Ahmed obtained his PhD from the University of New England in Australia.

Afghans walk along fences as they arrive in Pakistan through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing point in Chaman on 24 August 2021 following Taliban's military takeover of Afghanistan. (AFP)

Afghanistan in the calculations of India, Pakistan and China: Is there common ground among rivals and allies?

A triumphant Taliban presents unique and unprecedented challenges for Afghanistan’s neighbours. As the international spotlight continues to shine on the Taliban, it remains difficult to discern between reality and ruse in the Taliban’s rhetoric. The future of Afghanistan appears uncertain, and most countries remain watchful. India has refrained from advancing a clear diplomatic position while China and Pakistan have shown a cautious willingness to engage with the Taliban. While all three countries view Afghanistan with diverging agendas, a stable, inclusive Afghanistan remains in their mutual interest.