Afghanistan Under Taliban Rule Faces State Failure, Indian Think Tank Warns

Afghanistan under the Taliban regime is facing serious humanitarian and security challenges, according to an analysis by an Indian think tank.

The Observer Research Foundation has warned about the worsening situation in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power. The report says the humanitarian crisis has deepened, while security concerns have also increased in the country and the region.

According to the think tank, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Afghanistan in March 2026 as a country associated with unlawful detentions. It also noted that Australia imposed financial and travel restrictions on three Taliban ministers and the chief justice of the Taliban’s Supreme Court in December 2025.

The report highlighted restrictions on women’s education and alleged attacks against former government supporters and minorities. It also raised concerns about a lack of transparency in Afghanistan’s budget and the alleged diversion of funds toward weapons.

The think tank further warned that the presence of militant groups, including Al-Qaeda and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), poses security risks to the region.

Former US diplomat and Afghanistan expert Yni Forshheimer also reportedly expressed concern over human rights violations, particularly against women, minorities and the media, as well as the Taliban’s alleged support for militant groups.