Saturday, March 29, 2025
In a historic move, Russia has officially recognized the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country in the world to do so since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. This decision marks a significant shift in global diplomatic dynamics and may influence other countries to reconsider their stance on the Taliban regime.
The announcement came on Thursday when Russia formally accepted the credentials of Afghan ambassador-designate Jamal Nasir Gharwal, appointed by the Taliban administration. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, this recognition aims to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation across various sectors between the two nations.
“We believe that granting official recognition to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will deepen our bilateral collaboration in multiple domains,” the Ministry stated. Russia emphasized that the move is intended to bolster diplomatic and economic relations rather than endorse specific domestic policies of the Taliban.
Recently, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko held talks with Afghan envoy Gharwal in Moscow. Following the diplomatic meeting, images surfaced showing the Taliban’s white flag replacing the previous national flag at the Afghan embassy in Moscow—symbolizing the formal diplomatic shift.
Taliban officials welcomed the move and expressed hope that it would lead to greater international engagement. Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi described Russia’s decision as a “major milestone in the history of our bilateral relations.”
Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, no country had officially recognized their regime, citing concerns over human rights, particularly regarding women’s freedoms and ethnic minority rights. However, Russia maintained a functioning embassy in Kabul and continued limited engagement.
Russia’s recognition may now prompt other countries to reassess their diplomatic policies toward the Taliban. While no other nation has officially followed suit so far, analysts suggest that Moscow’s decision could serve as a catalyst for broader international re-engagement, especially in areas such as trade, counter-terrorism, and regional security.
The development is being closely monitored across the globe, particularly by Western nations that had previously conditioned any recognition on improvements in human rights under Taliban rule.
