Russia’s ‘Afghan Quad’ overtures to India hit a China, Pakistan stumbling block
However, Pakistan’s involvement is “an automatic red flag” for India, according to Kabir Taneja, deputy director and fellow at the Observer Research Foundation’s Strategic Studies Programme in New Delhi.
He noted Islamabad’s historical support for the Taliban, which has long targeted both Indian and US interests in Afghanistan.
“Islamabad would need to do institutional house cleaning first before such a Quad can be effective beyond just a conference,” Taneja said.