Moscow’s October consultations brought together representatives from Pakistan, China, India, Iran and Central Asian countries, while Russia offered to help ease tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA: Russia hosted regional consultations on Afghanistan on October 5, bringing together a delegation from the Taliban-led Afghan government and representatives from Pakistan, China, India, Iran and several Central Asian countries to discuss security and political developments in the region.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Moscow for the discussions, which took place amid continuing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The consultations formed part of Moscow’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan and neighbouring countries.

Lavrov Welcomes Taliban Foreign Minister

During the meeting, Lavrov welcomed Muttaqi and praised what he described as the Afghan government’s progress in combating the Islamic State group and other extremist organisations, as well as its efforts against drug trafficking.

Lavrov also marked five years since the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan, presenting the country’s experience as evidence of Afghan resistance to foreign military intervention.

Russia has sought to expand its diplomatic influence in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. In July 2025, Moscow became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government.

Pakistan and Regional Powers Participate

Representatives from Pakistan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan also participated in the consultations.

The participation of these countries highlighted the regional significance of Afghanistan’s security situation, particularly concerns about militancy, narcotics trafficking and cross-border instability.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained a major concern at the meeting, with both countries experiencing continued tensions over security and cross-border attacks. Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban authorities to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan, while Afghan officials have disputed Pakistani allegations and criticised military action across the border.

Russia Offers to Help Ease Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions

Russian presidential envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said Moscow was prepared to help reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Kabulov said Russia could work independently or alongside other partners if both countries requested assistance.

His remarks indicated Moscow’s willingness to play a diplomatic role in addressing the dispute, although no specific mediation agreement or settlement was announced in the reporting reviewed.

The continuing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have complicated regional cooperation and increased concerns about border security. Any diplomatic initiative would depend on the willingness of both governments to engage and agree on a framework for resolving their differences.

Moscow Rejects NATO Military Presence in the Region

Lavrov reiterated Russia’s opposition to the deployment of NATO military infrastructure in Afghanistan or neighbouring countries, arguing that such a presence could contribute to instability and further conflict.

He also said Russia would continue providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

Moscow has used recurring consultations involving the Taliban and regional governments to maintain diplomatic engagement and strengthen its role in discussions concerning Afghanistan’s future. However, the Taliban administration continues to face international criticism, particularly over restrictions on women’s rights and education.

Regional Security Remains a Key Concern

The October 5 consultations brought together countries with differing interests in Afghanistan but shared concerns about regional stability, terrorism and cross-border security.

For Pakistan, the relationship with Kabul remains closely tied to concerns about militant activity and border security. For Russia and other participating countries, Afghanistan’s stability also affects wider regional cooperation, trade and counterterrorism efforts.

The consultations provided another diplomatic forum for discussing these challenges, but the available reporting did not establish a comprehensive agreement resolving the outstanding disputes.