Russia becomes the first country to recognise Taliban Rule in Afghanistan

New Delhi (India) July 4: The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has received official recognition from Russia. Gul Hassan Hassan, the Taliban's new ambassador to Russia was welcomed by the Russian authorities on Thursday. Russia made history by formally recognizing the Taliban-led government for the first time since it assumed power in 2021.

The recognition follows a special meeting in Moscow where Hassan and Andrey Rudenko, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister met and recognized his credentials. The Afghan government's flag was replaced by the Taliban's white flag at the Afghan embassy in Moscow. After 20 years of war, the Taliban took control in 2021 when U.S. troops left the country, ending nearly four years of international isolation.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said, "We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields” in a statement.

Taliban officials have praised Russia's action and stated that it would improve relations. Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi declared, "This is a major milestone in the history of our relations."

Since the Taliban came to power in August 2021, Russia has maintained its embassy in Kabul. It has been interacting with leaders of the Taliban. According to the Russian government, there are "significant prospects for cooperation in trade and economic areas." They also intend to develop projects in the fields of infrastructure, transportation, energy, and agriculture. There are plans that will strengthen relations in the areas of humanitarian aid, sports, culture and education were also mentioned by Russia.

Russia's move comes after years of cautious approach to the Taliban. President Vladimir Putin previously referred to them as "allies against terrorism," particularly in reference to ISIS-K, which carried out an attack on a Moscow concert hall in 2024. In April 2025, Moscow removed the group from its terror list.

Although the Taliban have ambassadors in China, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, no other nation has fully recognized them.

Until the Taliban restore women's rights, Western countries will not recognize them. Right now, the Taliban forbids girls from attending high school and restricts women's employment and mobility. The United States continues to impose sanctions and freeze $7 billion in Afghan assets.

No other nation has formally acknowledged the Taliban government as of yet. The majority of nations are waiting on the Taliban to abide by international pressures, especially those pertaining to human rights.

Aadrika Tayal