Russia has signaled that Afghanistan will be a central topic in President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming regional summits, reflecting Moscow’s focus on stabilizing the region. The Kremlin aims to address security concerns, particularly the threat of terrorism and drug trafficking emanating from Afghanistan, in discussions with Central Asian leaders. This follows Russia’s recent decision to recognize the Taliban government, a move that has sparked debate over its implications for regional stability.
The Kremlin’s strategy includes fostering economic ties, such as supplying oil, gas, and wheat to Afghanistan, to support stability. These efforts align with Russia’s broader goal of strengthening its influence in Central Asia, particularly through forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The emphasis on Afghanistan underscores Moscow’s intent to coordinate with regional partners to mitigate risks like refugee flows and extremist activities, especially after the Taliban’s 2021 takeover. Discussions will likely focus on balancing diplomatic engagement with the Taliban against addressing human rights concerns and regional security challenges.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 16th, 2025
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