Russia and Taliban forge a new strategic axis

The expansion of cooperation was announced by Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on Thursday, May 14. He also encouraged other countries to deepen relations with the authorities in Kabul. During a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan, Shoigu noted that cooperation with Afghanistan is important for the security and development of the states belonging to this bloc. He said Moscow is building a “pragmatic dialogue” with the Taliban that covers security, trade, culture, and humanitarian aid.

In 2025, the authorities of the Russian Federation became the first to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The current authorities do not enjoy international recognition. Since the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan has been experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Human rights are regularly violated, particularly the rights of women. The new authorities have curtailed freedom of speech and the media, and there have also been reports of the detention and torture of regime opponents and journalists.

The Taliban returned to power in August 2021 after the withdrawal of the U.S.-led international military forces from the country. International forces had been present in Afghanistan for 20 years. Shoigu’s announcement of expanded cooperation during the SCO meeting was no coincidence. The organisation brings together 10 member states, including Russia, India, Pakistan, China, and Iran. The forum is intended to serve as a counterweight to organisations dominated by the broadly defined West, above all the United States. Representatives of 10 international organisations, including the UN, took part in this year’s summit.