Russia Hosts Afghanistan Consultations, Praises Taliban

Russia convened a new round of consultations on Afghanistan on Monday, gathering representatives from the country's ruling Taliban government alongside officials from China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and other nations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed the Taliban's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking the fifth anniversary of the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan. Lavrov credited the Taliban government with evident achievements, particularly in combating the Islamic State group and drug trafficking. He noted that the Taliban's "successes in the fight against narcotics and terrorism are to a significant extent linked to the ongoing military-technical cooperation between our countries."

Since reclaiming control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have sought international recognition while implementing their strict interpretation of Islamic law. Russia was the first country to formally recognize the Taliban's government in July 2025, after removing the group from its list of outlawed organizations. Lavrov stated that the "powerful military machine of the United States and their NATO allies was broken by the fighting spirit and resilience of the Afghans."

The former Soviet Union engaged in a ten-year war in Afghanistan, concluding with a troop withdrawal in 1989. In recent years, Moscow has aimed to increase its regional influence by hosting regular consultations involving the Taliban and neighboring countries. Lavrov reaffirmed that Russia considers the presence of any NATO military infrastructure in Afghanistan or neighboring nations "categorically unacceptable," citing historical precedents of destabilization and escalating conflict.

Representatives from China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan also participated in the talks. Zamir Kabulov, President Vladimir Putin's envoy for Afghanistan, indicated Moscow's readiness to help de-escalate tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, noting ongoing cross-border fighting. "Russia stands ready to help end this conflict using all possible means and acting independently or together with other partners if both parties ask for it," Kabulov said.

Despite Russia's recognition and engagement, the Taliban government remains largely isolated internationally, partly due to its restrictions on women. However, the group has engaged in high-level discussions with numerous countries and established diplomatic ties with nations such as China and the United Arab Emirates.