Saturday, March 29, 2025
Pakistan Faces Growing Challenges as the Taliban Gains Support from Russia, While India Promises Development Assistance
Amid ongoing peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan, regional tensions have deepened as the Taliban government in Kabul receives visible diplomatic support from Russia. At the same time, India has stepped in to offer cooperation in Afghanistan’s agricultural sector, signaling a new shift in regional dynamics.
The latest round of peace discussions, held in Turkey, was overshadowed by Pakistan’s recent military actions along the Afghan border. Despite both sides having signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha on October 19, Pakistan reportedly opened fire near the Spin Boldak crossing on Thursday. This has pushed relations between Kabul and Islamabad to a fragile and uncertain point.
The second round of talks held last week in Istanbul ended without any long-term resolution, prompting calls for a third round. Experts believe Pakistan’s aggressive approach toward Kabul is likely to keep relations tense and unstable in the near future.
Russia Steps In With Diplomatic Support
In a significant development, Russia has expressed its backing for the Taliban government during ongoing diplomatic engagements. On Thursday, Russian National Security Advisor and Secretary of the Security Council Sergey Shoigu spoke at a joint meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Shoigu highlighted what he described as “important and positive developments” in Afghanistan and stressed the need to reintegrate the country into the broader regional economic network. He also voiced concerns about security conditions inside Afghanistan, pushing for stronger regional cooperation.
At the same meeting, CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov called for concrete steps to strengthen border security between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. He emphasized that Afghanistan’s stability is crucial not only for its own citizens but also for neighboring states, particularly CSTO member countries.
India Assures Assistance in Agriculture
Meanwhile, India has taken a development-focused approach toward Afghanistan. The head of the Indian diplomatic mission met with Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture this week. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss capacity-building programs in agricultural research and development.
India’s support is expected to help Kabul strengthen farming practices, food security, and rural development — a critical area in Afghanistan’s recovery and stability.
