Understanding India's Role in the Moscow Format for Afghanistan

India and the Moscow Format: Strategic Diplomacy in a Changing Afghanistan

The Moscow Format, initiated by Russia in 2017, is a regional diplomatic framework that brings together Afghanistan’s neighbors and major regional powers, including India, China, Iran, and the Central Asian republics. Its primary goal is to promote peace, stability, and coordinated engagement in Afghanistan, especially after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

Why Russia Hosts the Moscow Format

Filling the Diplomatic Vacuum

Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Russia swiftly assumed a leadership role in regional diplomacy, positioning itself as a central mediator in Afghan affairs. By doing so, Moscow aimed to ensure regional stability and maintain its strategic relevance in Central Asia.

Counter-Terrorism and Security

Russia remains deeply concerned about the spread of extremist groups such as ISIS-K, which threaten to destabilize Central Asia and its southern borders. The Moscow Format enables Russia to coordinate counter-terrorism strategies with the Taliban and neighboring states, thereby strengthening regional security mechanisms.

Counterbalancing Western Influence

Through the Moscow Format, Russia seeks to limit Western influence in Afghanistan by fostering a regional consensus independent of U.S. or NATO involvement. This approach aligns with Moscow’s broader vision of a multipolar world order.

Regional Integration and Connectivity

The platform also promotes trade, transit, and energy cooperation across Eurasia, linking Afghanistan to initiatives such as the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and other regional connectivity projects supported by India and Iran.

India’s Evolving Policy Toward Afghanistan

Historical Ties

India has long maintained a development-oriented engagement with Afghanistan, investing over $3 billion in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. During the 1990s, it supported the Northern Alliance and opposed the Taliban’s extremist regime, standing firmly for democratic and inclusive governance.

Initial Isolation (Post-2021)

After the Taliban’s return to power, India closed its embassy in Kabul and adopted a cautious stance, refraining from recognizing the new regime due to concerns about terrorism, women’s rights, and minority protection.

Pragmatic Engagement (From 2022)

Accepting the Taliban’s control as a geopolitical reality, India reopened its technical mission in Kabul to oversee humanitarian aid and maintain limited diplomatic contact. This marked a shift from isolation to pragmatic re-engagement.

Strategic Recalibration

India’s renewed engagement is shaped by three strategic priorities:

• Safeguarding its development investments in Afghan infrastructure and education.
• Limiting Pakistan and China’s strategic influence in Afghanistan.
• Preventing the resurgence of anti-India terror networks such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on Afghan soil.

India’s Stance at the 2025 Moscow Format Meeting

At the 7th Moscow Format meeting (October 2025), India aligned with the regional consensus while asserting its own strategic interests:

Support for Afghan Sovereignty: India endorsed the joint statement reaffirming Afghanistan’s unity, independence, and territorial integrity.

Rejection of Foreign Military Bases: India opposed any proposals to establish new foreign military installations in Afghanistan, including attempts to revive U.S. bases.

Economic Integration: India emphasized the importance of expanding trade and connectivity through Chabahar Port and regional transport corridors.

Humanitarian Commitment: India reiterated that humanitarian aid to Afghan citizens must remain apolitical and unconditional.

Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: India called for stronger intelligence-sharing and joint efforts to ensure Afghan soil is not used for cross-border terrorism.

Broader Geopolitical Context

Taliban–Pakistan Friction

Recent tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan—over border management and militant sanctuaries—have created a diplomatic opening for India to re-engage with Kabul, thereby balancing regional equations.

China’s Expanding Influence

China’s Belt and Road projects and growing mining interests in Afghanistan have prompted India to remain diplomatically active to counter Beijing’s expanding economic and strategic footprint.

Taliban’s Search for Legitimacy

In pursuit of global recognition and investment, the Taliban are engaging more with regional powers. India’s calibrated approach provides them a degree of legitimacy while safeguarding India’s own long-term strategic interests in the region.

Synopsis (75 Words)

The Moscow Format has emerged as a vital diplomatic platform shaping Afghanistan’s post-U.S. trajectory. Led by Russia, it facilitates regional cooperation on security and stability. For India, it serves as an avenue to recalibrate Afghan policy through pragmatic engagement—balancing caution with opportunity. By safeguarding investments, countering Pakistan and China’s influence, and preventing terrorism, India positions itself as a constructive regional stakeholder in the evolving Afghan landscape.