Russia Becomes First Country to Officially Recognise Taliban Government in Afghanistan

The Taliban-led government of Afghanistan announced on Thursday that Russia has become the first nation to officially recognise its administration, calling it a “brave decision” that could pave the way for broader international acceptance.

The Taliban regained power in 2021 after toppling the former foreign-backed government and have since enforced a strict interpretation of Islamic law. Since then, they have actively sought global recognition and foreign investment to help rebuild the country after four decades of war, including the Soviet invasion that lasted from 1979 to 1989.

The announcement came after Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, held talks with Russia’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, in Kabul.

“This courageous decision by Russia sets an example for other countries,” Muttaqi said in a video of the meeting shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “Russia is the first country to officially recognise the Islamic Emirate.”

Taliban foreign ministry spokesperson, Zia Ahmad Takal, confirmed the recognition to AFP, describing it as a significant step for the administration.

Muttaqi hailed the decision as the beginning of “a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement,” according to a statement posted by the Taliban’s foreign ministry.

Russia’s own foreign ministry, in a post on Telegram, said that formal recognition would strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure. Moscow also pledged to support Afghanistan in regional security efforts and combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

Over recent months, Russia has taken clear steps towards normalising relations with the Taliban, including removing the group from its list of terrorist organisations in April and formally accepting a Taliban ambassador in Kabul. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism” in July 2024.

Russia was also the first country to open a business representative office in Kabul after the Taliban takeover and has since revealed plans to use Afghanistan as a transit route for gas supplies to Southeast Asia.

During the Taliban’s first period in power from 1996 to 2001, only Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates recognised their regime. Since their return, several countries, including China and Pakistan, have accepted Taliban-appointed ambassadors but have stopped short of granting full diplomatic recognition.

China welcomed Russia’s decision on Friday, stating that Afghanistan should not be isolated from the international community. “China, as a traditional friendly neighbour of Afghanistan, supports Afghanistan’s integration,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

However, Western countries remain staunchly opposed to recognising the Taliban due to severe restrictions imposed on women and girls, particularly the ban on female education and widespread exclusion from public life.

Several Afghan women’s rights activists condemned Russia’s recognition. Former Afghan lawmaker Mariam Solaimankhil called the move “a dangerous signal” that prioritises strategic interests over human rights and international law. “It legitimises a regime that bans girls from schools, sanctions public floggings, and harbours UN-listed terrorists,” she said.

Another former MP, Fawzia Koofi, warned that recognising the Taliban would not bring peace but rather embolden impunity and risk undermining global security. “This move threatens not only Afghans but the wider international community,” she cautioned.

Many top Taliban officials remain under United Nations sanctions, with the group’s leadership still facing international scrutiny over human rights abuses.