kabul : Amid growing strains in relations between Kabul and Islamabad, India and Russia are engaging in consultations regarding the situation in Afghanistan.
According to Indian media reports, India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, has traveled to Russia, where, in addition to discussing bilateral matters, the situation in Afghanistan will also be addressed.
The reports suggest that Doval will also speak with Russian officials about the possible official recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
One segment of the Indian media reports states: “This is Ajit Doval’s first visit to Moscow since Operation Sandor, although he did participate in July’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting of National Security Advisors in Beijing, where he also met with Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu. Additionally, Russia’s potential decision regarding recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan is expected to be discussed.”
Political analyst Hadi Quraishi says: “Both the Russian and Indian sides need to focus their talks on Afghanistan, particularly regarding security, and work to address their concerns.”
India is one of the countries that has maintained economic ties with the interim government in Afghanistan over the past three years, but it has yet to officially recognize the Taliban administration.
Previously, Russia had also called for India to join the “Quadrilateral Group” on Afghanistan, which includes China, Pakistan, and Iran.
Another political analyst, Wahid Faqiri, states: “There is now a mutual understanding in Moscow and New Delhi that the Taliban are acting in accordance with shared expectations. Relations between the Taliban government and these countries have improved.”
Political commentator Najib Rahman Shamal adds: “All three countries should adopt a unified stance on the Islamic Emirate after holding thorough consultations.”
Although ties between Kabul and New Delhi have improved in recent months, it appears that India remains dissatisfied with a joint initiative by Pakistan and China aimed at expanding trilateral economic cooperation between Islamabad, Kabul, and Beijing.
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