India’s Controversial Citizenship Grant to Afghan Sikhs

India has recently granted citizenship to a group of Sikh migrants from Afghanistan. This decision comes amid a review of approximately 400 applications.

India’s selective citizenship policy, favoring Afghan Sikhs and excluding Muslim refugees, highlights a troubling bias. This approach undermines India’s professed friendship with Afghanistan.

By excluding Afghan Muslims, India appears to show a lack of respect for the majority Muslim population of Afghanistan. This religious bias raises questions about India’s diplomatic integrity.

The contradiction becomes more pronounced given India’s complex stance on Sikh communities abroad. While it welcomes Afghan Sikhs, it has faced criticism for its treatment of Sikhs in countries like Canada.

This selective policy could be interpreted as a strategic move rather than a genuine effort to assist Afghan nationals. Such actions may cast doubt on the authenticity of India’s commitment to its Afghan friends.

Afghanistan, an Islamic nation, might perceive India’s exclusion of Muslim refugees as hypocritical. This perception could damage India’s reputation and its claim of a balanced, sincere friendship with Afghanistan.

India’s citizenship policy appears to be an attempt to enhance its image domestically by positioning itself as a savior of Sikhs. However, this approach may be seen as disingenuous and self-serving.

The move to grant citizenship exclusively to Afghan Sikhs, while excluding others, reflects a broader issue of selective support. It raises concerns about India’s true motivations and the impact on its international relationships.