Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government in Afghanistan

Moscow: Russia on Thursday became the first nation to officially recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, marking a diplomatic milestone nearly three years after the group seized control in 2021. The move followed Moscow’s decision to remove the Taliban from its list of outlawed organisations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed it had accepted credentials from Afghanistan’s newly appointed ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan.

The ministry stated that the recognition of the Taliban-led administration would help foster “productive bilateral cooperation”.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry hailed the recognition as a turning point, quoting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who described it as "a good example for other countries.”

The Taliban reclaimed power in August 2021 after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. Since then, it has continued to pursue international recognition while upholding its rigid interpretation of Islamic law.

Until now, no country had formally recognised the Taliban administration, though the group had engaged in high-level discussions with several nations and established limited diplomatic ties with countries such as China and the United Arab Emirates.

Despite those interactions, the Taliban government has remained largely isolated on the global stage, primarily due to its restrictions on women.

The Taliban has also faced longstanding allegations of serious human rights violations, particularly targeting women and minority groups, during its previous rule between 1996 and 2001.

Although the Taliban initially pledged to govern more moderately than during its previous rule, it began enforcing strict limitations on women and girls shortly after reclaiming power in 2021.

Women are prohibited from working in most jobs and accessing public spaces like parks, baths, and gyms. Girls are barred from schooling beyond sixth grade.

The United Nations continues to refer to the Taliban as the “de facto authorities” in Afghanistan.

According to the global body, the human rights situation in the country has worsened since the group’s return to power in 2021. UN experts have pointed to what they describe as an “institutionalised system of discrimination, segregation, disrespect for human dignity and exclusion of women and girls”.

In recent months, Russian officials have stressed the importance of engaging with the Taliban to promote stability in Afghanistan. In April, Moscow officially removed the group from its list of banned organisations.

Russia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, stated in remarks aired on state Channel One television that the decision to formally recognise the Taliban government was taken by President Vladimir Putin following the advice of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Zhirnov said the decision proves Russia's “sincere striving for the development of full-fledged relations with Afghanistan”.

(with PTI inputs)