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Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed the move, calling it a “courageous step” and expressing hope that it would set an example for other countries.

Russia's Supreme Court judge Oleg Nefyodov delivers a verdict lifting the two-decade-old ban on the Taliban in Moscow, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo)

Russia has become the first nation to officially recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, after accepting the credentials of the group’s newly appointed ambassador in Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday. In a statement, the ministry said it sees good prospects for expanding ties with Kabul and pledged continued cooperation in areas such as security, counter-terrorism, and the fight against drug trafficking.

It also pointed to significant economic potential in sectors like energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure.

The ministry said, “We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields.”

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Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed the move, calling it a “courageous step” and expressing hope that it would set an example for other countries. “God willing, it will serve as an example for others as well,” he said in a statement.

A first among global powers

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi pose before talks in Moscow, Oct 4, 2024. (Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry via AP)

No other country has formally recognised the Taliban regime, which seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces after two decades of war. While nations such as China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan have appointed ambassadors to Kabul, none have made the formal leap of recognition.

Russia’s diplomatic shift follows a gradual warming of relations with the Taliban. In 2003, Moscow had designated the group a terrorist organisation — a status lifted in April this year.

President Vladimir Putin has described the Taliban as a partner in the fight against terrorism, and trade between the two countries has grown since 2022, with Afghanistan importing Russian oil, gas, and wheat.

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Also Read: | Russia removes Taliban from list of banned organisations: Report

Russia’s strategic recalibration also stems from growing security concerns over Islamist militant threats in the region.

In March 2024, an attack claimed by the Islamic State group killed 149 people at a Moscow concert hall.

Despite Russia’s endorsement, Western diplomats argue that the Taliban’s path to broader recognition remains hindered by its stance on women’s rights. The group has banned girls and women from attending high school and university and restricts their public movement without a male guardian.

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The Taliban maintains it is enforcing its interpretation of Islamic law.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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