The Centre for Afghanistan Studies organised the Afghanistan Neighbourhood Council: Stability Beyond Borders – Negotiating Afghanistan’s Future in a Complex Region on 24 September 2025 in collaboration with Diplomania, Jindal School of International Affairs. The event was inaugurated by Professor Raghav Sharma, Director of the Centre for Afghanistan Studies, who emphasised Afghanistan’s continuing relevance in understanding issues of migration, security, and international relations. He noted that simulations provide a valuable opportunity for students to grasp the intricacies of policymaking in contexts marked by competing national interests. Before the simulation began, two distinguished speakers addressed the gathering. Mr. Shushant Sareen, Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, described Afghanistan as the epicentre of regional instability where decisions made by external actors often reshape its internal landscape. He discussed how cross-border influences continue to affect Afghanistan’s sovereignty and long-term peace. Major General Saurabh Sharma, Chief of Staff of the Chinar Corps, shared his experiences in Kabul, explaining the challenges faced by both Afghan authorities and the international community in maintaining security and governance.

In the simulation, students represented states and institutions including Pakistan, Iran, China, India, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and the United Nations. They debated critical issues such as migration, humanitarian aid, and regional connectivity, each bringing distinct national perspectives to the table. The exercise revealed how deeply entrenched rivalries and conflicting priorities complicate efforts to achieve consensus on Afghanistan’s future. The event concluded with reflections by Professor Sharma, who urged participants to adopt empathetic diplomacy and to focus on building trust through sustained dialogue. The simulation underscored the Centre’s goal of linking academic understanding with practical policymaking and promoting cooperation for a stable regional order.