In a move stirring international debate, Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban-led Emirate-e-Islami as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. Days before, the Russian ambassador presented his official credentials to Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Ameer Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. The handover of the Afghan embassy in Moscow and acceptance of a new ambassador marked a significant diplomatic milestone.
The Afghan Interim Government hailed Russia’s step as a “bold decision.” Observers suggest the move aligns with broader geopolitical recalibrations, particularly amid Russia’s tensions with the West. Experts believe energy-hungry South Asia and Afghanistan may provide new markets for Russian oil and gas, especially as Europe reduces dependence on Moscow due to the Ukraine war.
“South Asia presents a strategic energy outlet for Russia, and Afghanistan could serve as a bridge,” said Prof. Mukhtyar, an expert of Social Sciences. Power projects like CASA-1000 and regional railway frameworks, including the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan line, could benefit from improved Afghan stability.
China has also taken parallel steps by accepting the Afghan ambassador in Beijing and offering humanitarian assistance, particularly to refugees recently expelled from Iran. While not formal recognition, China’s cooperation underscores its interest in a secure and cooperative Afghanistan.
International Pressure Mounts After ICC Warrants:
The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently intensified scrutiny of the Taliban by issuing arrest warrants for Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhunzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani. The charges pertain to gender-based persecution and restrictions on women’s and girls’ rights since August 2021.
The ICC stated that Taliban policies deprived women of fundamental rights, including access to education and freedom of movement. Afghan officials rejected the charges, with Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid calling the move “baseless rhetoric.”
Rights groups welcomed the decision. Amnesty International hailed the warrants as “a crucial step to hold those accountable for systemic gender-based abuses.” Human Rights Watch urged international support for enforcing the ICC’s mandate.
While the ICC’s authority does not extend into Afghanistan directly, the warrants could influence diplomatic relations, particularly with Western nations. Some fear that the Taliban’s growing ties with Russia and China may lead to geopolitical polarization in South Asia.
A senior Afghan journalist, who requested not to be named, also commented on the matter.He said,
‘’The policies of the Islamic Emirate, which have been formulated for women, are against human rights. If we observe, inhumane treatment of women continues in Afghanistan; girls’ schools are closed, restrictions have been imposed on their work and employment, and such women are facing many difficulties.’’
“Consequently, the Islamic Emirate has also strongly rejected these accusations by the International Criminal Court and has further refused to recognize this institution”; he added.
Pakistan Supports Regional Dialogue:
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to play a constructive role in promoting stability in Afghanistan. At the UN General Assembly, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad acknowledged that the Taliban are in effective control of Afghanistan. He stressed the need for the international community to engage with the de facto authorities through inclusive and realistic approaches. A senior jouranlist Pir Waliyat At HTN said:
Pakistan has not officially recognized the Afghan Taliban government in the formal sense. However, Asim Iftikhar’s recent remarks acknowledged the Taliban’s control over Afghanistan and urged the international community to remain engaged with them. He also offered Pakistan’s potential role in facilitating such engagement, expressing readiness to assist if the global community or other countries so desire.
These remarks carry particular significance as they come at a time when Pakistan and Afghanistan have recently held secretary-level talks, where both sides expressed satisfaction over the positive progress on bilateral issues, he added.
He also raised alarm about cross-border terrorism, urging joint efforts to neutralize threats posed by groups like the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan emphasized that only collective regional strategies can ensure peace and sustainable development.
On the bilateral front, Pakistan and Afghanistan recently concluded the first round of additional secretary-level talks in Islamabad. Discussions focused on trade, security, and the implementation of decisions from Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s earlier visit to Kabul. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation on border management, infrastructure projects, and the repatriation of Afghan nationals.
Recognition and Responsibility:
While the Russian recognition blessings open new avenues for diplomacy and energy cooperation, they also heighten the need for global consensus on Afghanistan’s future. As great powers redefine their policies, the region stands at a crossroads where engagement must go hand in hand with accountability.
Failure to act in unison could risk deepening instability. Yet, with thoughtful diplomacy, shared goals, and inclusive dialogue, a peaceful and cooperative South Asia remains within reach—making Russian recognition blessings a potential turning point rather than a point of division.
