Russia Hosts Taliban for High-Level Talks, Warns Against Foreign Military Presence in Afghanistan

MOSCOW – In a significant move that underscores shifting geopolitical alignments, Russia hosted a high-level delegation from Afghanistan’s Taliban government on Tuesday, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issuing a stark warning against any renewed foreign military presence in the war-torn nation.

The meeting, part of the “Moscow Format” consultations on Afghanistan, served as a platform for Russia to both challenge Western influence and cautiously engage with the de facto rulers in Kabul.

Lavrov’s Dual-Message: Praise for Taliban, a Warning to the West

Speaking at the opening of the talks, Lavrov delivered a speech with a clear dual purpose. He praised the Taliban for its efforts to combat the Islamic State (ISIS-K) and other extremist groups, as well as its claimed progress in eradicating the production of illegal drugs—a long-standing Russian concern due to narcotics trafficking into Central Asia and Russia.

“The current Afghan authorities are taking serious steps to normalize the situation in the country,” Lavrov stated.

However, the core of his address was a direct admonition to the United States and its allies. “The deployment of military infrastructure of any third countries on the territory of Afghanistan, as well as on the territories of neighboring states, is categorically unacceptable under any pretext,” Lavrov emphasized.

His comments appeared to reference recent discussions in Western policy circles about establishing “over-the-horizon” counterterrorism capabilities to monitor Afghanistan, though no plans for a permanent basing have been announced.

“The military presence of any extra-regional players could only lead to destabilization and new conflicts,” Lavrov continued, adding a pointed historical lesson. “The history of Afghanistan has seen a lot of situations with foreign military presence. I believe everyone should have drawn the right conclusions long time ago.”

The statement carried the weight of history, alluding to the Soviet Union’s disastrous 10-year war in Afghanistan during the 1980s, which ended in a humiliating withdrawal. It also served as a clear parallel to the more recent, chaotic departure of U.S. and NATO forces in 2021.

Deepening Ties and a Major Diplomatic Shift

The Moscow talks highlight the Taliban’s ongoing quest for international legitimacy and Russia’s calculated strategy to fill the power vacuum left by the West. In a major diplomatic shift this past July, Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government, removing the group from its list of outlawed terrorist organizations.

This recognition forms the foundation for deeper engagement. Lavrov expressed Russia’s interest in expanding business ties and boosting cooperation on anti-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts. He also took the opportunity to assail Western nations for their “hostile” policies toward Kabul, particularly the continued freeze of Afghanistan’s central bank assets and the maintenance of sanctions, which he argued collectively punish the Afghan people.

Taliban Seeks Legitimacy and Investment

Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, lauded Russia’s “bold move” of recognition. “I appreciate it and wish that all countries follow the same path,” he told the gathering.

Muttaqi framed the Taliban’s takeover as a historic opportunity for stability and economic development. He stated that his government had created an opportunity “to ensure comprehensive security after four decades and provide a good ground for investment, economy, transit and connectivity.”

He presented the Moscow Format as a vital channel for regional consensus, offering “a good opportunity for the countries of the region to listen to each other’s views.”

Regional Engagement and Unresolved Tensions

The meeting was attended by officials from key regional powers, including China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and the Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. This broad participation reflects a shared, pressing interest in Afghanistan’s stability, particularly in containing spillover terrorism and managing refugee flows.

However, the gathering also exposed underlying regional tensions. Neighboring countries like Tajikistan have been vocal critics of the Taliban’s treatment of ethnic minorities and continue to host Afghan resistance figures. The Taliban’s strict imposition of its interpretation of Islamic law, including severe restrictions on women’s education and work, remains a primary obstacle to broader international recognition and a point of contention even among nations engaging with them.

As the great powers recalibrate their approach, Tuesday’s meeting in Moscow confirmed that Afghanistan remains a critical, volatile chessboard where regional diplomacy is now taking center stage, with Russia positioning itself as a leading player.

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