International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Vol. 7, Issue 2, pp: (527-535), Month: October 2019 - March 2020, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
Indians’ Perception of Afghanistan with a Special Reference to Punjab State *Hamayun Khan1, Himanshi Aplani2, Mohammad Arif3, Deepshika Kumari4, Anchal Sood5 Chandigarh Group of Colleges- IKG Punjab Technical University Author email id: Hamayun.Salarzai@gmail.com
Abstract: Apart from political all-weather alliance between India and Afghanistan, this study ascertains and finds out the Indians’ perception of Afghanistan, for which the required data has been randomly collected in North India using probability sampling technique. The obtained data shows that the perception of Indians in whole has changed as compared to erstwhile and slots at average when it comes to the overall image of Afghanistan i.e. in terms of development, freedom to girls, education system, and economy, whereas about the war and terrorism in Afghanistan still many Indians think that war is going on in Afghanistan and the term “terrorism” is still connoted with Afghanistan. research work has limitations in terms of presenting the data limited to a specific population which is taken as a sample size, and does not represent the perception of Indians throughout India. The study further concludes that the perceptions of Indians about Afghanistan slots at average and somewhat below average, therefore, it suggests some disciplinary recommendations that need to be considered by both Indians and Afghans in order to clear up the cynicism and provide platforms for portraying the positive images of India and Afghanistan in the minds of both the nations so as to enhance the bilateral relationship. Keywords: India-Afghanistan relation, Perception, culture, politics, mutual interests.
1. INTRODUCTION India supports a democratic and a self-relied Afghanistan, assisting the country in terms of various developmental aspects i.e. construction projects, Military support, education, and Economic development, therefore people in Afghanistan positively perceive the role of India in Afghanistan and consider India as their second home, Whereas the Indians‟ viewpoint about Afghanistan varies. However, Indians consider Afghanistan as India‟s strategic ally, yet majority of the general perception of Afghanistan in India is traced back to the 80s and 90s, which means still many Indians think that Afghanistan is a conflicted country. Therefore, we have conducted a survey and randomly assimilated different viewpoints of the local Indians about Afghanistan that highlights the various opinions of the people living in northern India about Afghanistan. 1.1. Afghanistan-India’s shared values and culture India and Afghanistan have had a prolonged history of cultural connections. India‟s policy of a seeing a developed Afghanistan cannot be overstated. Indo-Afghan cultural links and political relations have improved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Afghan President Dr. Ashraf Ghani. Since 2001 India‟s engagement with Afghanistan has become multidimensional, there are two major factors bringing India and Afghanistan closer are; (1) Afghanistan-Pakistan territorial disputes, Durand Line in Particular and (2) Pakistan‟s influences in Afghanistan by supporting the insurgent groups. Kabul and New Delhi both suffer a common foe therefore, both the bond of the countries is becoming stronger both in terms of politics, and culture. (Kaura 2017) Historians have found out that over 2000 years Afghanistan has been a significant commercial and craft hub linking the civilizations of Persia, and Central Asia with India South Asian countries. Although, the war taking place over the last 3 to 4 decades have increasingly undermined Afghanistan‟s unique culture, traditions of art and architecture. In today‟s
Page | 527 Research Publish Journals