The British policy towards Afghanistan in the first half of the 19th c

The British policy towards Afghanistan in the first half of the 19th century aimed at

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Strengthening Afghanistan as a buffer against Russia.

Weakening Russian influence in Afghanistan but not promoting a strong Afghanistan either.

Promoting Russian influence in Afghanistan to control insurgent tribal leaders.

Annexing Afghanistan as a directly-controlled British Territory.

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2022

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In the first half of the 19th century, during the period known as the “Great Game,” British policy towards Afghanistan was primarily driven by the need to protect British India from potential Russian expansion. Therefore, the main objective was to strengthen Afghanistan as a buffer state that would prevent Russia from directly threatening the Indian frontier.

– The “Great Game” was a strategic rivalry between the British Empire and the Russian Empire for supremacy in Central Asia.
– Afghanistan’s geographical location made it a crucial barrier between the two empires’ spheres of influence.

British attempts to control Afghanistan’s foreign policy and install rulers favorable to their interests led to the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842). Despite setbacks, the long-term policy remained centered on maintaining Afghanistan’s independence or at least ensuring it was not under Russian control.

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