Afghanistan: Russian deputy foreign minister says no recognition of Taliban government for now

Afghanistan continues to experience a worsening humanitarian crisis since the Taliban took control in August 2021. With the humanitarian crisis at hand, Russia’s deputy foreign minister says it is too soon to recognize the insurgent group-backed government of Afghanistan.

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershnin revealed that it is too soon to recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan. Vershnin’s comments follow a consultation with Reenat Sandhu of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regarding UN Security Council issues.

“Russian and Indian stances are similar and identical in many respects. They boil down to the fact that now it is premature to talk about recognizing the current government in Kabul,” said Vershnin.

“We expect the current Afghan leadership to fulfill the obligations they have assumed, especially with regard to the inclusivity of the government and with regard to other measures, including the human rights area,” Vershnin added.

The deputy foreign minister also said that humanitarian aid to Afghanistan must be provided, and both Russia and India are providing aid to Afghans in need. Vershnin explained that aid must continue to reach Afghanistan, especially following almost 20 years of US and western military presence and the withdrawal that worsened conditions in the country.

Vershnin also said that Russian officials informed their Indian counterparts regarding the ongoing tensions happening in Ukraine as Russia also faces a standoff with the US and NATO.

The Guardian reports that Australian senators are being urged to ramp up efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghans. This comes especially as the United Nations, as well as humanitarian groups, have warned that Afghanistan is facing extreme famine and rising poverty since the insurgent group took control.

The Senate committee last month published a report that revealed former Afghan interpreters and other colleagues that have been left behind by the Australian government are now at risk of facing retaliation from the Taliban.

While the Australian government does not recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan, officials have said that they are involved in “cautious” discussions. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that it was aware of 35 Australian nationals and 26 Australians who are permanent residents of Afghanistan, including 148 foreign citizens who are immediate family members of the Australian nationals or permanent residents.