Russia Announces Taliban Partnership at SCO Summit

Russia announced a full-fledged partnership with Afghanistan's Taliban government at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Astana, where Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Taliban acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss counterterrorism, economic ties and regional stability.

The engagement reflects Moscow's pragmatic approach toward the Taliban, which seized power in 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces. Russia removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations earlier this year and became the first country to formally recognize the regime in July 2025. Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu emphasized the partnership's scope during the summit, stating it encompasses political and security contacts, trade, economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and humanitarian support. "Cooperation with Kabul was important for the security and development of the region," Shoigu said.

Both sides expressed alarm over the Islamic State Khorasan Province group's growing presence in Afghanistan and its cross-border attacks into Central Asia. Russia has accused the militants of targeting allies like Tajikistan and has shared intelligence and technical aid...