Russia on Monday hosted a high-level meeting on Afghanistan involving representatives of the Taliban government and several regional countries, including China, India, Iran and Pakistan.
The meeting, held in Moscow, focused on Afghanistan’s security, humanitarian situation and regional stability. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi led the Afghan delegation at the talks.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed the Taliban delegation and praised what he described as its efforts to combat terrorism and drug trafficking. Russia also reaffirmed its opposition to any future NATO military presence in Afghanistan or neighbouring countries.
One of the major issues surrounding the meeting was the worsening relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The two countries have exchanged accusations over cross-border attacks, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban government of allowing militant groups to operate from Afghan territory.
Pakistan’s representative at the meeting said terrorism linked to Afghanistan had caused thousands of deaths in Pakistan. The Taliban, however, rejected the accusations and criticised Pakistani military strikes that it said had killed Afghan civilians.
Taliban Foreign Minister Muttaqi said the problems between Afghanistan and Pakistan could be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, signalling Kabul’s preference for negotiations rather than continued military confrontation.
Russia also offered to help mediate between the two sides if both countries request assistance. Moscow said it was prepared to work independently or together with other regional partners to reduce tensions.
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan was another major concern. Russian officials said millions of Afghans require humanitarian assistance, while food insecurity remains a serious challenge as the country enters another difficult winter period. Russia said it would continue providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
The meeting also demonstrates Russia’s growing diplomatic engagement with the Taliban government. In July 2025, Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban administration.
Despite increasing diplomatic contacts, the Taliban government remains internationally isolated, particularly because of its restrictions on women and girls. Several countries continue to demand greater respect for women’s rights before considering full diplomatic recognition.
The Moscow talks therefore represent an important regional effort to address Afghanistan’s security and humanitarian problems while also preventing the growing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan from developing into a wider conflict.
