On October 7, 2025, the diplomatic landscape of Central and South Asia shifted dramatically as Russia hosted the seventh round of the "Moscow Format" consultations on Afghanistan. This gathering marked the first time since Russia’s official recognition of the Taliban government that such a high-profile, multilateral discussion took place—and the stakes could hardly have been higher. With representatives from India, China, Iran, Pakistan, and five ex-Soviet Central Asian republics in attendance, the meeting underscored both the region’s deep concerns about security and its effort to chart a new course for Afghanistan’s future.
According to The Moscow Times, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov opened the session by sharply criticizing Western sanctions and calling for broad international support for Afghanistan’s postwar recovery. Lavrov did not mince words, urging the West to "correct their course, return the assets they have seized and take responsibility for Afghanistan’s reconstruction." He praised the Taliban for "combating the regional chapter of the Islamic State and tackling drug trafficking," but placed blame for Afghanistan’s ongoing economic woes squarely at the feet of Western powers, citing the continued freezing of Afghan state assets and restrictions on its banking system.
Lavrov’s message was clear: "The deployment of military infrastructure of any third countries on the territory of Afghanistan, as well as on the territories of neighbouring states, is categorically unacceptable under any pretext." He added, "History has shown us the catastrophic consequences of foreign military interference. We cannot afford to repeat these mistakes." These comments were echoed by nearly every regional power present, reflecting a rare moment of unity against the prospect of renewed foreign—particularly American—military involvement in Afghanistan.
India, for its part, joined Russia, China, Pakistan, and others in firmly opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent call to retake the Bagram Air Base from the Taliban. As reported by multiple outlets, Trump had publicly stated his administration would seek to "take back control of the Bagram Air Base from the Taliban," framing the move as a necessary step for U.S. interests. Yet at the Moscow meeting, the participating nations described as "unacceptable the attempts by countries to deploy their military infrastructure in Afghanistan and neighbouring states, since this does not serve the interests of regional peace and stability." This collective stance was not just rhetorical. It was a direct rebuke to Washington’s ambitions and a signal that the region intends to manage Afghan affairs on its own terms.
Pakistani Special Envoy Mohammad Sadiq Khan, speaking on social media and to WANA News Agency, summarized the consensus: "The quadrilateral meeting of special envoys on Afghanistan from Pakistan, China, Russia, and Iran was held in Moscow to discuss issues of peace and regional security." He emphasized that participants "reaffirmed their enduring commitment to a stable, independent, and peaceful Afghanistan, and underscored the importance of ridding the country of the scourge of terrorism and foreign interference." The presence of terrorist groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Jaish al-Adl, ISIS, and al-Qaeda was cited as a shared threat, necessitating "enhanced coordination and joint action to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."
For the Taliban, the Moscow Format meeting was a diplomatic milestone. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi attended for the first time, and he did not hide his appreciation for Russia’s diplomatic overtures. "I appreciate it and wish that all countries follow the same path," Muttaqi said, referring to Russia’s decision to officially recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. He described the talks as "a good opportunity for the countries of the region to listen to each other’s views," and claimed his government had "created an opportunity to ensure comprehensive security after four decades and provide a good ground for investment, economy, transit and connectivity."
The regional powers’ priorities were clear. Promoting national reconciliation, expanding economic cooperation, and enhancing counterterrorism and counternarcotics efforts topped the agenda. As the spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry put it, the key priorities included "promoting national reconciliation in Afghanistan and expanding practical cooperation between regional countries and Kabul in the political, economic, counterterrorism, and counternarcotics fields." There was also a strong push to integrate Afghanistan into regional connectivity systems, with the hope that economic development could help stabilize the country and prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for extremism.
The Indian delegation, led by ambassador Vinay Kumar, reiterated support for "a secure, peaceful, and stable Afghanistan," which they argued would be "fundamental to regional resilience and global security." This sentiment was echoed by all present, underscoring the belief that Afghanistan’s stability is inextricably linked to the broader region’s prosperity.
Yet, for all the talk of progress, the Taliban government remains deeply isolated on the world stage, largely due to its restrictions on women and girls. Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban have barred women from most jobs and public spaces and prohibited girls from attending school beyond sixth grade. This ongoing repression has led to international condemnation and the launch of a United Nations Human Rights Council investigation into abuses in Afghanistan—an inquiry that could eventually enable criminal investigations into suspected violations by both the Taliban and foreign troops, including those from the United States. The U.S. government, under President Trump, has resisted such scrutiny, with a State Department spokesperson asserting, “Under the leadership of President Trump, the United States government will not tolerate international organisations that attempt to exert unlawful jurisdiction over American troops.”
Despite these tensions, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov struck a cautiously optimistic tone, acknowledging "major positive changes in the struggle against the terrorist threat" and noting that "the relevant UN bodies have noted a substantial decrease in the areas sown with narcotic plants." He pledged Russia’s "all-round assistance to Afghanistan in its fight against drug trafficking, terrorism and organised crime, and to ensure a peaceful life for the Afghan people."
As the Moscow Format talks concluded, a joint statement was expected, reflecting the collective will to support Afghanistan’s integration into regional systems and to ensure its soil would not be used as a threat to neighboring countries and beyond. The region’s message was unmistakable: Afghanistan’s future should be shaped by its neighbors, free from foreign military interference, and guided by the principles of stability, sovereignty, and cooperation.
With the world’s eyes on Moscow, the October 7 meeting may well prove to be a turning point—one that redefines how Afghanistan and its neighbors approach security, development, and the delicate balance of regional power.