
Why has Russia formally recognised Afghanistan's Taliban government?
At a meeting on July 3, Russia's Ambassador to Kabul Dmitry Zhirnov conveyed to Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi that Moscow had decided to formally recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.
The Afghan foreign ministry described Russia's decision as 'a historic step that will set a good example for other countries'. It remains to be seen whether China, Pakistan, and other countries follow Russia's lead.
Days after Moscow's recognition of the Afghan regime, the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, issued arrest warrants against Taliban Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani, saying there were 'reasonable grounds' to suspect them of carrying out gender-based persecution.
History of Russia's involvement in Afghanistan
Pre-revolution Russia had a deep strategic interest in Afghanistan, which led to an intense rivalry with Britain in the 19th century that was famously described by the British intelligence officer Arthur Conolly as the 'Great Game'. Afghanistan, which stood as a buffer between Britain's colonial possessions in South Asia and Russia, was of great strategic importance to both imperialist empires.
As a Great Game imperative, Britain had long tried to control Afghanistan, and had sought to impose itself on the country through the First and Second Anglo-Afghan Wars of 1839-42 and 1878-80 respectively. In 1919, the Emir of Afghanistan, Amanullah Khan, made an attempt to shake off the British, which resulted in the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
The Bolsheviks, who had taken power in Russia after the October Revolution of 1917, were opposed to colonialism and imperialism. They renounced various treaties and agreements of Tsarist Russia, and gave up its colonial possessions, which profoundly impacted anti-colonial movements everywhere.
In 1919, Vladimir Lenin offered the hand of Soviet friendship to Amanullah Khan. He wrote to the Emir that 'flourishing Afghanistan is the only independent Muslim state in the world', and that 'the Workers' and Peasants' Government [of the Soviet Union] is inclined to grant such assistance on the widest scale to the Afghan nation, and, what is more, to repair the injustice done by the former government of the Russian tsars…by adjusting the Soviet-Afghan frontier so as to add to the territory of Afghanistan at the expense of Russia'.
In the early decades of the Cold War, as Pakistan joined the anti-communist Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) and Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), and the US and Britain attempted to run Iran through the puppet Shah, the Soviet stakes in Afghanistan increased greatly. It was crucial for Moscow to have influence in Afghanistan in order to maintain the USSR's regional security dominance, to prevent instability in Soviet Central Asia, and to assert itself as a global power against the capitalist West.
As part of its ideological project, the Soviet Union propped up communist parties and governments in Eastern Europe and Asia, including the People's Democratic Party (PDPA) in Afghanistan. In April 1978, the PDPA led the Saur Revolution, a military coup in which the country's autocratic President Mohammad Daoud Khan was overthrown and killed, and a socialist government aligned with Moscow came to power.
Several months of violence and repression followed as the Pashtun-led Khalqist faction of the PDPA cracked down on the so-called enemies of the revolution. This triggered armed resistance, and as uprisings against the socialist regime started to break out at various places, the Red Army marched into the country in December 1979. The invasion was justified on grounds of the Brezhnev Doctrine, which saw any threat to socialist rule in a Soviet bloc country in East Europe and Central Asia as a threat to them all.
Thus began a decade of Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, and a bruising war in which the Afghan mujahideen were backed financially and logistically by the US-led West, which finally ended with the humiliating withdrawal of Soviet forces from the country.
The Soviet-Afghan war of 1979-89 witnessed the deaths of around 20,000 Soviet soldiers, and more than 1.5 million Afghans.
The recognition of the Taliban by Russia marks a strategic shift in what was once a relationship of animosity and mistrust.
Post-communist Russia under President Vladimir Putin offered support to the US 'Global war on terror' in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which also gave Russia the international legitimacy to pursue its own wars in Chechnya and Dagestan. The first Taliban regime (1996–2001) had recognised Chechnya's independence, and allowed a Chechen embassy to open in Kabul.
As the government of President Ashraf Ghani steadily lost its grip over the country and war-weariness grew in the US, Moscow sought to re-insert itself into the Afghan picture. The Moscow Format Consultations were initiated in 2017 as a regional platform for discussions on the Afghan reconciliation process among special envoys from Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, and Pakistan. Russia was concerned that a power vacuum in Afghanistan could make it an exporter of narcotics and terrorism, and a destabilising factor in the region.
On August 15, 2021, as the last American soldiers left Afghanistan amid chaos, the Russian embassy in Taliban-controlled Kabul remained formally open. In September 2022 Russia and the Taliban signed a major preliminary agreement for Russia to supply Afghanistan with discounted petroleum products and wheat. This was the first major foreign economic deal struck by the new rulers of Afghanistan.
During the fifth Moscow Format Consultation in 2023, there was special focus on the activities of the ISIS-K, the Islamic State in Khorasan Province. On March 23, 2024, ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Moscow's Crocus City Hall in which more than 145 people were killed. That July, President Vladimir Putin called the Taliban 'allies in the fight against terrorism'.
Later in 2024, representatives of the Afghan government participated in the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the highest-level multilateral engagement by the country since the Taliban takeover.
In April 2025, Russia's Supreme Court removed the ban on the Taliban as a 'terrorist organisation', which paved the way for Russia to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
The two countries can now conduct bilateral cooperation in trade, security, technology, and energy, even as the Taliban continue with their grave violations of human rights, denying Afghan women the right to study and work, and imposing severe restrictions on their day-to-day living.
In September 2023, China had become the first country to formally name an envoy to Afghanistan, Zhao Xing. Pakistan, the UAE, Turkey, and Azerbaijan have appointed permanent ambassadors in Kabul this year. India has a 'technical team' in Afghanistan, which oversees humanitarian assistance, and in November 2024, the Taliban regime appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as 'acting consul' in the Afghan mission in Mumbai.
A changed geopolitical context
Why did President Putin choose to recognise the Taliban government?
As outlined above, Afghanistan, the so-called 'heart of Asia' because of its location, has long been a theatre of geopolitical contestation. This 'graveyard of empires' has seen long-running wars and turmoil interspersed with short spells of stability. The decisive victory of the Taliban in 2021 signalled the arrival of relative political stability – some pockets of resistance in the north and activities of terrorist groups like ISIS notwithstanding – and the potential for a resumption of trade and economic activity.
Dhananjay Tripathi, who teaches international relations at South Asian University, put the Russian decision to recognise the Taliban government in a larger geopolitical context that includes the war in Ukraine and its many fallouts.
'In the current geopolitical situation, Russia is facing immense pressure due to the economic isolation from the US and the West. The Ukraine war is draining them, and militarily they are dependent on China. Almost 40% of their ammunition is supplied by China via North Korea. So, it will be a good opportunity for Russia to build economic and military ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan,' Prof Tripathi said. Also, 'The power vacuum after the USA left Afghanistan, almost in a rush, had to be filled.'
The Afghan economy has been devastated by decades of war, and presents a potential opportunity for a range of Russian exports. The Russian Business Center in Afghanistan estimates that bilateral trade reached $1 billion in 2024, and is set to reach $3 billion by 2025. At the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in June, Russia announced an expansion of its labour market to include Afghan specialists.
In the absence of international recognition, investments have been a challenge for the Taliban regime. In May 2025, Afghanistan agreed to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a project of the Belt and Road initiative of China, but Beijing remains reluctant to invest in Afghanistan. The only known major Chinese investment is the $49 million that Xinjiang Central Asia Petroleum and Gas Co. has spent on developing oil fields near Herat.
What this move by Russia means for India
India has a shared history, cultural bonds and old civilisational ties, and deep economic and strategic stakes in Afghanistan. It also retains significant goodwill among large sections of the Afghan population.
Over the years, India has invested more than $3 billion in projects like the Afghan Parliament, the Salma Dam, and the Zaranj–Delaram highway, which links Afghanistan to Iran's Chabahar port. India has built hospitals, schools, and offered thousands of scholarships to students. More than 3,000 Afghan students, including 300 girls, are studying in India, according to the Indian government.
'India needs to closely monitor developments in Afghanistan. With Russia diplomatically recognising the Taliban and China establishing close ties, India risks facing implications if it remains passive during this crucial period. Now is the time for India to recalibrate its approach and establish better diplomatic relations with the Taliban. A significant step that could earn India considerable goodwill is the issuance of student and medical visas,' Prof Tripathi said.
A calibrated strategic engagement with the Taliban, driven by pragmatism, is in India's interest. Afghanistan is crucial for the Connect Central Asia policy that India launched in 2015, and it remains a relevant partner in tackling cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
The writer is a Master's student of International Relations at South Asian University and a summer intern at The Indian Express.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
41 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Delhi cop's book traces history of policing in India since Vedic age
Dinesh Kumar Gupta, additional commissioner of police (traffic) of the Delhi Police, unveiled his new book 'Policing and Crime Trends in India' at the India Habitat Centre on Sunday. BJP MPs Harsh Malhotra, Manoj Tiwari and Kiran Choudhry, actor Vindu Dara Singh, among others, at the book launch on Sunday. (ANI) The book delves into the development of policing from ancient civilisations to the modern day, examining shifts in crime, public perception, and police capability. It underlines the impact of colonial rule and urges a citizen-centric, proactive policing model to tackle present-day challenges like cybercrime, terrorism, and gender-based violence. The book also delves into the evolution of the Indian Police Service (IPS), span from British era to the present day. 'I have explored how policing from Vedic times originated and what changes have occurred in policing and crime over time. I have shared my own experience and insight in regards to policing and what needs to be done from our side to improve it. My book is a culmination of my journey, inspired by my father, a passionate police officer who served in the UP Police. His writings and values have instilled in me a sense of duty, resilience and compassion,' said Gupta. Union minister of state Harsh Malhotra was the chief guest. Delhi commissioner of police Sanjay Arora, MPs Manoj Tiwari and Kiran Choudhary, professor GS Bajpai, vice-chancellor, National Law University, IPS officers Vivek Gogia, Devesh Chandra Srivastava, Ajay Choudhary, and Jaspal Singh, para-athlete Deepa Malik, and chief minister Rekha Gupta were also present.
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
41 minutes ago
- First Post
FirstUp: Lok Sabha to begin 16-hour discussion on Operation Sindoor and other top news
The long-anticipated discussion on Operation Sindoor is set to begin in Parliament today. The Lok Sabha will take it up today, while the Rajya Sabha will hold its debate tomorrow (Tuesday). Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to take part in the discussion. The Opposition is likely to question the government over repeated claims by the US that it helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to speak during the discussion. PTI/File Photo It's a busy Monday. The Lok Sabha is set for an intense debate today on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. US President Donald Trump will visit his golf resort in Turnberry, where he will also meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The third round of trade talks between the US and China will take place in Stockholm, Sweden. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a petition on whether BS VI-compliant vehicles in the Delhi-National Capital Region should have a fixed life span of 15 years for petrol and 10 years for diesel variants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Google and Meta have been called in by the Enforcement Directorate today over the promotion of online betting and gambling apps labelled as 'illegal.' Let's take a look at the events: Operation Sindoor debate in Lok Sabha The much-awaited discussion on Operation Sindoor will begin today in Parliament. The Lok Sabha will take it up today, followed by the Rajya Sabha tomorrow (Tuesday). Both Houses have set aside 16 hours for the debate, expected to run over two days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to speak during the discussion. The Lok Sabha is set for an intense debate today on Operation Sindoor. PTI/File Photo On the first day of the monsoon session, PM Modi set the stage for the government's stand on the Opposition's call for a debate on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. He had called India's strike on terror camps inside Pakistan a '100% success.' The Opposition plans to raise questions about the US repeatedly claiming to have brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. It also plans to bring up the alleged intelligence failure in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed by armed terrorists on April 22. Trump to meet UK PM Starmer in Scotland As part of his Scotland visit, US President Donald Trump will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Turnberry golf resort. He will later travel around 200 miles (320 km) to his large golf estate near Aberdeen in the west. During the visit, he is expected to open a new 18-hole course at the Aberdeen property. The course is named after his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born and raised on a Scottish island before moving to the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump is now suing WSJ, its parent company, and owner Rupert Murdoch for $10 billion. Reuters/File Photo This overseas trip comes as Trump deals with the biggest political crisis of his second term. White House officials, concerned by the ongoing focus on the Epstein controversy, are hoping the issue loses steam while Trump is abroad. Trump is expected to return to Britain for a state visit from September 17 to 19, hosted by King Charles. China-US trade talks The United States and China will begin the third round of key trade negotiations in Stockholm, Sweden. The talks are taking place from July 27 to July 30. According to a statement from China's commerce ministry, both sides will continue discussions based on the principles of 'mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.' Notably, China is facing an August 12 deadline to reach a lasting agreement with the White House or face higher tariffs from the US. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier said that officials from both countries would also explore the possibility of extending the deadline for finalising the deal. Key SC hearing over end-of-life rules for BS VI vehicles in NCR The Supreme Court will today hear a plea on whether BS VI-compliant vehicles in the Delhi-National Capital Region should be treated the same as BS IV ones, with an end-of-life cap of 15 years for petrol and 10 years for diesel variants. A two-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran agreed to take up the matter after a lawyer requested an urgent hearing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the petition today. File Photo/Reuters In 2015, the National Green Tribunal had ruled that diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol ones older than 15 years must not be allowed to operate in the NCR to curb pollution. The Supreme Court upheld this decision in 2018. Recently, the Delhi Government made an attempt to implement the same rule for BS VI vehicles. However, the move led to opposition from the public, leading to its suspension. Meta, Google to appear before ED over betting sites Google and Meta are due to appear today before the Enforcement Directorate over allegations of promoting 'illegal' online betting and gambling apps. The two tech companies are accused of allowing and giving prominence to advertisements and websites linked to betting platforms. According to news agency PTI, representatives of both firms had earlier requested a delay in their July 21 summons, saying they needed more time to gather documents and prepare for questioning. Once they appear, their statements will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). With inputs from agencies


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Setback to lenders: NCLT replaces RP in Anil Ambani's loan guarantee case
NEW DELHI: In a setback to lenders, the National Company Law Tribunal has removed Jitender Kothari as the resolution professional (RP) in an insolvency case related to Anil Ambani 's personal guarantee to SBI for a loan to Reliance Communications . NCLT appointed Prashant Jain as the new RP. In Sept 2016, Ambani had given a personal guarantee for a Rs 1,385-crore loan, which was retrospectively classified as an NPA effective late Aug 2016. Kothari was appointed RP in Aug 2020. A few days after his appointment, the RP sought multiple details from Ambani, including details of a case in a British court. The insolvency action had been challenged in Delhi HC and the SC. In May 2021, the RP filed his report in NCLT, recommending admission of company petition for insolvency resolution despite Ambani's lawyer seeking more time, citing restricted mobility due to Covid. A few days later, Ambani's lawyer wrote that the RP can only seek information from SBI. Meanwhile, the businessman's writ petition in SC was tagged along with one Surendra Jiwarajka, which was finally decided in Nov 2023. Ambani has accused the RP of "acting in undue haste and denying him fair and proper opportunity" to provide information. Besides, the RP is accused of exceeding the mandate under IBC in seeking "unrelated information". The RP denied the charges and SBI supported it, while arguing that the matter had been pending with NCLT for a long time and the case was being delayed. In its order on July 15, the benchsaid that in light of Covid-related disruptions, Ambani should have been given "a fair opportunity" to provide information to the resolution professional. "Instead, we note that the RP didn't even wait for adjudication of his application pending before this Tribunal seeking relaxation of 10 days' timeline and a cross application of the applicant before this Tribunal requiring more time in view of Covid restrictions. " "Though, we do not find any negligence or explicit bias on part of the RP in this case, however, we are of considered view since the insolvency resolution process after commencement has to be run in close coordination of debtor and RP," it said. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now