New "North-South Corridor": Why Russia Recognizes the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

July 4, 2025 17:46

A senior Taliban government official attends a military parade. Photo.

In response to setbacks in Syria and provocations from Azerbaijan, Russia has taken a "counter to Chamberlain-style appeasement" — recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) led by the Taliban. Observer Lyubov Stepashova of Pravda analyzes the reasons and prospects of this diplomatic move.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that it had received the letter of credence submitted by Ambassador Gul Hassan of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, making Russia the first country to recognize the Taliban government since it took power in 2021.

The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized in its statement that this move will promote effective bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields, with a focus on energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure projects. The statement also pointed out that Russia will continue to support Kabul, "helping it strengthen regional security and combat threats from terrorism and drug crimes."

The Afghan Islamic Emirate's foreign ministry called this event a "historic step." Considering the complex history of relations between the two countries — the Soviet nine-year war in Afghanistan, where some participants later became founders of the modern Taliban — this assessment is indeed justified. However, after the US forces left Afghanistan in disarray, Russia was one of the few countries that maintained contact with the country. In April 2025, the Russian Supreme Court removed the "Taliban" from the list of banned terrorist organizations.

It can be said with certainty that recognizing Afghanistan is the most successful move in Moscow's regional and international initiatives over the past 25 years. After the US occupied Afghanistan for several years, Russia realized that if NATO moved forward, it could establish a foothold in Central Asia, which would become a "second front" following Ukraine, Belarus, and others. Therefore, Moscow tried to reduce its relationship with the US-backed puppet regime and established secret communication channels with the "Taliban," gradually moving toward recognition of its government. In the past year, after being freed from Western demands for "inclusiveness," the "Taliban," having experienced 30 years of war, has formed its own values.

By normalizing relations with Kabul, Russia resolved many issues at once. Afghanistan is located at the bridge between South and Central Asia, and this geographical position is crucial in the context of tense relations with Azerbaijan (and thus Turkey). Russia can abandon the "North-South" western transport corridor through Azerbaijan and instead establish a transportation connection through the eastern route via Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan into Afghanistan, and then extend the route to Pakistani ports or into India.

Additionally, Russia will be able to control the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism, especially considering the ongoing threat posed by the "Islamic State Khorasan Province" — an organization that carried out a terror attack at the "Krokuus" concert hall. In the medium term, Moscow may attempt to deploy military bases within Afghanistan to counter the "Islamic State." This is extremely significant for protecting Russia's interests in Central Asia.

Russia will restore its reputation damaged in the East after the loss in Syria.

The benefits of Afghanistan are obvious (more precisely, all benefits). This includes the supply of petroleum products, food aid, agricultural and industrial support (Soviet built a lot in this area, just recall). Russia's position at the United Nations Security Council and its role in the international order will allow other countries to start establishing bilateral recognition relationships with Afghanistan without waiting for Western approval.

In Central Asian countries, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are likely to follow Russia's steps. Like Russia, Kazakhstan has already removed the "Taliban" from the list of terrorist organizations, while Uzbekistan recently applied to join the "North-South" corridor through Afghanistan.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7523548480992789011/

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