Treaty of Gandamak

In early August 1878 to counteract the Russian initiative, the British Government of India informed Sher Ali that he must receive a special mission that included members of other European states "with all becoming honors.

In retaliation, the British Government of India issued an ultimatum that by 20 November 1878 the Afghan emir must apologize for the effrontery and provide a satisfactory explanation.

Unable to offer effective military resistance, on 23 December 1878, the Afghan emir left Kabul for Turkestan, intending to seek Russian aid for the defence of his domains.

[4] "His Highness the Amir of Afghanistan and its depen-dencies engages, on the exchange of the ratifications of this Treaty, to publish a full and complete amnesty, absolving all his subjects from any responsibility for intercourse with the British forces during the war, and to guarantee and protect all persons of whatever degree from any punishment or molestation on that account.

His Highness the Amir of Afghanistan and its depen-dencies agrees to conduct his relations with Foreign States in accordance with the advice and wishes of the British Government.

Despite attempts from the British to dissuade Afghanistan from Russian influence, Abdur Rahman Khan adopted an autocratic government similar to the Tsars of Russia, inspired by Peter the Great from his time in exile in Turkestan.

Senior British officials found it extremely difficult to further cooperate with Abdur Rahman Khan and Afghanistan due to the Turkestan atrocities, as well as his actions against the Hazaras.

Mohammad Yaqub Khan of Afghanistan (in the middle) with Sir Louis Cavagnari (second from left), military administrator of the British Government of India , on 26 May 1879.
The Durand Line (in red and black (see map) above) forms the border between the Emirate of Afghanistan and the British Raj .