Afghanistan: Russia has become the first country in the world to formally recognize Afghanistan’s Taliban government. This development enhances the Taliban’s standing on the global stage and puts pressure on Western nations to consider following suit.

According to Deutsche Welle, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the foreign minister in Afghanistan’s Taliban government, welcomed Russia’s announcement, expressing optimism that this “brave decision” would set an example for other countries. The Afghan Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment by posting on X that this could mark the beginning of “a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement.” The ministry also shared a video of a meeting in Kabul between Russia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, and Muttaqi, wherein Muttaqi noted that “Russia was ahead of everyone” in the recognition process.

The Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in a study published in 2024, noted Russia’s potential interest in using Afghanistan as a transit hub for exporting Russian natural gas to India and other goods to ports in Pakistan. However, this plan requires significant infrastructure development, including a gas pipeline and an extended railroad from Mazar-i-Sharif on the Uzbek border.

According to a study by the consultancy SpecialEurasia, published on Friday, Moscow hopes that by formally recognizing Afghanistan, it can become a major supplier and economic partner through expanded trade in oil, gas, and wheat, as well as collaboration on infrastructure, energy, and agriculture projects. Schetter, an observer of the situation, suggests that Russia aims to lead in establishing a new approach to dealing with Afghanistan, potentially influencing other authoritarian states to follow its example.

While Russia’s recognition is unprecedented, other countries, particularly those under authoritarian rule, have maintained relations with the Taliban. China and Iran, for instance, have kept their embassies open in Kabul and engage diplomatically with the Taliban. Pakistan shares a close relationship with Afghanistan despite political tensions. Qatar serves as an intermediary between the Taliban and the West, having hosted the signing of the 2020 Agreement between the US and Taliban governments in Doha.

Schetter believes that should more countries follow Russia’s example, it would exert political pressure on Western states to reassess their stance toward the Taliban. This move by Russia could initiate a diplomatic dynamic that the Taliban hopes will lead to broader international recognition.

However, the recognition of the Taliban by Russia raises concerns about the implications for human rights in Afghanistan, particularly for women and girls. Shaharzad Akbar, former chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, warns that this decision normalizes the Taliban’s extensive crimes against its people, especially women. She argues that it signals acceptance of countries that oppress women and base their politics on religion and repression.

Schetter shares these concerns, suggesting that the international community’s prioritization of recognition over human rights raises alarms. He posits that while there might be hope for improved rights for women in the future, such changes would occur on the Taliban’s terms, independent of international pressure. For now, the Taliban might perceive Russia’s recognition as validation of their domestic policies.