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Washington and New Delhi have converged interests in Afghanistan. US aspires a greater Indian role in Afghanistan in the wake of its withdrawal from Afghanistan and India, in order to pose itself an international power, seeks in Afghanistan a deeper involvement. Although both of the states, India and the US, have devised a commonality of interests since 9/11, yet since the current US Administration bilateral ties have been intensified to the extent where Pakistan have severe implications. US President Trump's verdict of regionalization of Afghan issue has implied concerns for Islamabad. Pakistani authorities relate the terrorist activities in the country, particularly insurgency in Baluchistan with the role of various powers' role in Afghanistan. Strategic and security related objectives and concerns would be discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strategic location of Afghanistan at crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia is itself defining the importance of Afghan factor in India-Central Asia relations. Afghanistan, one time a buffer state between British India and Soviet Union, has shaped the post-9/11 India foreign policy to stabilize Afghanistan through Low Politics Approach (LPA) for regional integration and stability. India's growing interest in CARs through the embedded policy of economic, energy and strategic synergy benefitting both, has further enhanced the Afghan factor in relation between the two for common interests and concerns in the region. The focus of this paper is to understand the common concerns both India and Central Asia have on Afghanistan as well as importance of Afghan peace for the regional stability. The argument is further elaborated to explain India's policy towards Central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]