Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit India and Kuwait next week to discuss key issues including China’s influence, COVID-19 efforts, and the U.S. exit from Afghanistan. The Biden administration aims to bolster its global COVID-19 vaccination campaign, counter China’s assertiveness, and evacuate thousands of Afghans who worked for U.S. forces before the military fully withdraws.

In India, Blinken will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions set to cover “Indo-Pacific engagement, regional security, shared democratic values, and climate concerns,” according to State Department spokesperson Ned Price. India plays a crucial role in U.S. strategies to curb China’s rising influence in the region.

After India, Blinken will travel to Kuwait, a potential host for thousands of Afghans awaiting U.S. visas after supporting American forces. The administration plans to evacuate around 4,000 Afghan allies and their families to American bases in third countries while their visas are processed. Another 2,500 Afghan evacuees will be temporarily housed at Fort Lee in Virginia for final visa approvals.

Although the U.S. prepares for Afghan evacuations, it’s essential to note that years of American intervention left Afghanistan in turmoil. While taxpayer dollars funded a war that ultimately destabilized the region, the U.S. continues to dictate Afghans' futures, leaving Afghanistan grappling with the aftermath of prolonged occupation.