Russia is moving to deepen its relationship with Afghanistan's Taliban-led government, with senior Russian official Sergei Shoigu announcing that Moscow is establishing a 'full-fledged partnership' with Kabul and encouraging other regional countries to expand cooperation as well.
The remarks highlight Russia's growing strategic engagement with Afghanistan nearly five years after the Taliban returned to power following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S.-led forces in 2021.
Speaking at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Shoigu said Moscow was developing a 'pragmatic dialogue' with the Taliban administration covering security, trade, humanitarian assistance and cultural ties.
According to Russia's Interfax news agency, Shoigu described cooperation with Kabul as essential for regional stability and development.
Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in 2025, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough for the Islamist movement, which remains internationally isolated despite controlling Afghanistan since August 2021.
The Taliban had previously been designated as a terrorist organisation in Russia in 2003, but Moscow officially lifted the ban in April 2025.
Russian officials increasingly view engagement with Afghanistan as a security necessity amid fears over extremist groups operating across Afghanistan, Central Asia and the broader Middle East.
Moscow has repeatedly warned about the threat posed by militant organisations such as ISIS-K and other transnational jihadist networks.
Shoigu said closer coordination with Kabul was important for containing instability and preventing the spread of terrorism across the region.
The Russian security chief also called for the revival of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, a mechanism intended to coordinate regional diplomacy and security efforts related to Afghanistan.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation includes China, India, Iran, Pakistan and several Central Asian states, making it one of the most influential regional blocs engaging with Afghanistan.
Russia's push for deeper Taliban engagement reflects a broader shift among regional powers seeking to stabilise Afghanistan through practical cooperation rather than continued diplomatic isolation.
While many Western countries still refuse formal recognition of the Taliban government due to concerns over women's rights, political freedoms and terrorism, countries such as Russia, China and Iran have steadily increased diplomatic and economic engagement with Kabul.
Analysts say Moscow's latest comments indicate that Russia now sees the Taliban less as an ideological concern and more as a strategic partner in managing regional security and influence after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
(with inputs from Reuters)