The Governor-General who followed a spirited “Forward” policy towards Afghanistan was

Robert Bulwer‑Lytton, Viceroy and Governor‑General of India (1876–1880), adopted an assertive foreign policy described as 'proud reserve' that sought clear and active control of relations with Afghanistan rather than ambiguity—this is the policy commonly referred to as the 'Forward' approach towards Afghanistan [1]. Lytton’s tenure saw the initiation of the Second Anglo‑Afghan War and he even drew up plans for the dismemberment of Afghanistan, actions characteristic of a spirited forward policy [2]. The conflict resulted in British military intervention and measures to control Afghan foreign policy before subsequent adjustments to avoid overt provocations such as maintaining a resident at Kabul [3].

Sources

1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 5: Expansion and Consolidation of British Power in India > Lytton and the Policy of Proud Reserve > p. 131
2. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 5: Expansion and Consolidation of British Power in India > Lytton and the Policy of Proud Reserve > p. 132
3. [3] https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/second-afghan-war