Russia proposes regional grouping to deal with Taliban

Russia has proposed forming a regional security group with India, China, Iran and Pakistan to influence Afghanistan's Taliban administration to usher in an effective governance model and bring stability to the nation.

The proposal is under consideration, ET has learnt. Moscow is hopeful that the regional grouping will be able to influence the Taliban regime in Kabul to control cross-border terror, radical forces, drugs trade and boost economic activities. At last week's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Goa, Russia's foreign minister had hailed the revival of the SCO contact group on Afghanistan.

New Delhi has big stakes in Afghanistan and India is always keen on being part of platforms that focus on the country. During his Tehran visit last week, national security advisor Ajit Doval had a detailed discussion with his counterpart on practical cooperation in Afghanistan to counter terror.


At the SCO meeting on Friday, the foreign ministers of India and Russia called for a representative government in Afghanistan and protection of women's rights. "The unfolding situation in Afghanistan remains at the centre of our attention. Our efforts should be directed towards the welfare of the Afghan people," said Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar. "Our immediate priorities include providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring a truly inclusive and representative government, combating terrorism and drug trafficking, and preserving the rights of women, children and minorities."