In 1996, when the Taliban forcibly took control of Afghanistan, India severed ties and shut down its Embassy in Kabul. On Friday, India announced the upgrade of its Technical Mission to full-fledged Embassy. With that move, we have officially recognized the Taliban government.

Personally, I have nothing but disdain for any undemocratic, authoritarian, ultra-conservative and misogynistic regime. Yet, from a national interest point of view, I can understand why we might find it strategically wise to maintain cordial relations with Afghanistan especially under the current geopolitical circumstances.

But here lies the deeper question. Why do we always bend backwards? Why do we compromise on everything we believe in and sacrifice our moral, cultural and ethical values just to please another n

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