Why did Russia recognize the Taliban government?

Melbourne, 13 July— Russia has formally recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan. With this decision announced on July 3, the Taliban-led Kabul government received official recognition from a country for the first time since coming to power in August 2021.

Moscow stated that this decision would “bring new momentum to bilateral cooperation between the two countries.” However, analysts note that Russia’s relationship with the Taliban is not new. For over a decade, Moscow has been strategically maintaining contact with the Taliban, driven by its security and geopolitical interests.

In 2015-16, Russia established official communication channels with the Taliban. A Taliban official confirmed that members of the group’s political office had made secret visits to Russia during that period.

Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, Russia has not only maintained relations but also advised the group on governance, counterterrorism efforts, and human rights, with the aim of helping it gain international recognition.

Former Afghan ambassador to Pakistan, Mansoor Ahmad Khan, said, “Russia’s recognition is the result of a long-term plan, during which they remained engaged with the Taliban for 12 years. Later, they launched a regional platform called the ‘Moscow Format’ and included the Taliban in it.”

Concerns Over Terrorism and Extremism

Analysts believe that after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces, Russia wants to see a stable government in Afghanistan—one that can counter the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) and drug trafficking. At the same time, Russia wants to shield Central Asia from the spread of religious extremism and radical ideologies.

Russia is also keen to prevent Afghanistan from falling back under the influence of the United States or Western alliances.

The Taliban-led Afghan government has an embassy in Moscow, Russia.

Moscow-based Afghan analyst Dr. Sher Hassan Hassan said, “Russia does not want Afghanistan to fall into the hands of the US or the West again. Every country wants to secure its national interests and ensure that Afghanistan is not used against them.”

He added, “The US is pursuing the same goal, which worries Russia. Hence, Russia wants to keep the Taliban away from the US and its allies.”

Dr. Hassan also stated, “Russia will never want Americans to establish military bases or deploy strategic weapons in Afghanistan. That would pose a threat to Russian security.”

Furthermore, Moscow aims to protect its Central Asian allies from terrorism and extremist ideologies.

“If such extremist ideologies spread into Central Asia and from there to Russia, it will harm Russia and become difficult to contain,” said Dr. Hassan.

The Central Asian countries, geographically located between Russia and Afghanistan, have taken a cautious stance toward the Taliban government but are also showing interest in regional connectivity, infrastructure development, and expanding trade.

“Not Just Symbolic”—Strategic Move

American academic and Afghan-origin researcher Dr. Obaidullah Burhani said, “Russia’s recognition is not merely symbolic.”

He stated, “This is a strategic geopolitical move aimed at keeping the Taliban away from American influence and preventing the spread of extremist groups in Central Asia.”

Dr. Burhani further said, “This recognition could force the Taliban to reconsider its governance—particularly in forming an inclusive political system, lifting the ban on girls’ education, and upholding basic human rights.”

He believes this step has broken the existing stagnation in Afghanistan, where neither reforms are taking place nor credible political opposition is being formed.

Opposition and Criticism

Anti-Taliban leaders have strongly condemned Russia’s decision. Setting aside long-standing differences, they have shown unity on this issue.

According to them, this decision is “a dangerous game” and could spark a new wave of global rivalry centered on Afghanistan.

The National Resistance Front (NRF), led by the son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, described Russia’s decision as “a major benefit to Taliban’s terrorist partners and criminal networks.”

In a statement, the NRF said, “The effort to legitimize an illegal government in the international arena will not only harm regional stability and security, but it will also normalize and encourage terrorism, criminal economies, and the trafficking of drugs and weapons.”

Path Toward Global Recognition

The Taliban government’s next goal is to gain international recognition—especially from Western countries—and to obtain a seat at the United Nations.

Former Pakistani ambassador Mansoor Ahmad Khan said Russia’s recognition is part of Afghanistan’s broader strategy to expand its relations with other countries.

However, he believes that for Taliban-led Afghanistan, achieving global recognition remains a complex geopolitical challenge.

A major hurdle is that the Taliban and many of its leaders are still listed as terrorists under international law.

To receive recognition from institutions like the United Nations or the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), these names must be removed from the terror lists. In addition, Western economic and banking sanctions must be lifted.

Meanwhile, the Taliban’s own actions (or inaction) have become obstacles to global recognition.

In particular, the erosion of women’s rights and the failure to form an inclusive government have alienated foreign powers.

This article was originally published in Pakistan’s newspaper Dawn.