The eighth Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan—a Russian-led diplomatic forum on Afghanistan in Moscow bringing together the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taliban, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan, with Belarus and Egypt participating as guests—ended without a joint statement in early October after Kabul and Islamabad failed to agree on language concerning terrorism and security.
Russia has deepened ties with the Taliban over the past year despite persistent security concerns. Moscow formally recognized the Taliban government in 2025, signed a military–technical cooperation agreement in May, and increasingly portrays Kabul as a partner in regional counterterrorism and trade.
The Moscow Forum’s inability to agree on a joint statement highlights competing regional interests that could constrain Russia’s cooperation with Afghanistan. Pakistan’s conflict with the Taliban government and the Taliban’s tolerance of some Afghanistan-based militant groups complicate Russia’s efforts to establish a coordinated regional approach to the country.
by The Jamestown Foundation Kabul–Islamabad Rift Limits Moscow Format
