The British had become the major power…

The British had become the major power in the Indian subcontinent after the Treaty of Paris in 1763, but had for decades remained relatively unconcerned with the collection of petty princes and warring tribes that make up Afghanistan.

This changes with the Russian push for an advantage in the Afghan region to place pressure on British India.

Dost Mohammad, rejecting overtures from Russia, endeavors to form an alliance with the British, who, fearful that Persia is falling completely under Russian influence, are ever eager to enter into alliances with the rulers of Herat, Kabul, and Qandahar.

Deciding to contact the British directly for help in dealing with the Sikhs, Dost Mohammad writes in the spring of 1836 to the new governor general of India, Lord Auckland, a letter of congratulations and asks his advice on dealing with the Sikhs.

Just as Dost Mohammad's letter formally sets the stage for British intervention in Afghanistan, so also does Lord Auckland's reply foreshadow the duplicitous policy of the British in dealing with the Afghans.

Auckland responds that he will send a commercial mission to Kabul and states, "it is not the practice of the British Government to interfere with the affairs of other independent states."