The Durand Agreement: Understanding its Significance for UPSC Preparation

The Durand Agreement is a treaty signed between the British Indian government and the Afghan ruler, Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, on November 12, 1893. The agreement was named after the British diplomat Sir Mortimer Durand, who played a vital role in its negotiations.

The treaty defined the border between British India and Afghanistan, known as the Durand Line, which is still a contentious issue between the two countries. The agreement also established British influence over the tribal areas of Afghanistan, which were formerly under the control of the Afghan rulers.

In the context of UPSC preparation, knowledge of the Durand Agreement is crucial for understanding the historical relations between India and Afghanistan. The agreement was a significant milestone in the relations between the two countries, as it marked the beginning of British control over the region that is now Pakistan. It also defined the borders of Afghanistan, which have remained a subject of debate and conflict.

The Durand Agreement has been the subject of much discussion in recent times, especially in the aftermath of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The Taliban, which now controls Afghanistan, has declared the Durand Line as invalid and has demanded the return of the territories that were ceded to Pakistan under the treaty.

Aspirants preparing for the UPSC exam must be aware of the Durand Agreement and its significance in the history of India and Afghanistan. The treaty has a direct impact on the region`s geopolitics and has implications on India`s security and foreign policy.

To conclude, the Durand Agreement remains a crucial treaty in the history of India and Afghanistan. It defined the borders between the two countries and established British control over the tribal areas of Afghanistan. Understanding the implications of the treaty is essential for UPSC aspirants to grasp the complexities of the region`s history and its current geopolitical dynamics.