Russia-Taliban Defence Pact Draws India’s Attention as Ajit Doval Holds High-Level Talks in Moscow

A newly emerging defence and security partnership between Russia and Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration has drawn close attention from India, prompting a series of high-level engagements by Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in Moscow amid shifting geopolitical dynamics across South and Central Asia.

According to reports, Russia and the Taliban government have agreed on a military-technical cooperation framework following talks between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Taliban Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob. The agreement is understood to cover defence technology, military training, security cooperation, weapons-related technical support and intelligence coordination.

Russian officials have increasingly signalled their willingness to expand practical engagement with the Taliban authorities, arguing that cooperation with Kabul is essential for regional stability, counterterrorism efforts and broader security interests.

Against this backdrop, Doval participated in an international security forum in Moscow, where he held several meetings with senior Russian officials and representatives involved in regional security affairs.

Among the key engagements was a meeting with Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev, during which both sides discussed defence ties, maritime security and broader strategic cooperation. Doval also met Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov to review cooperation in defence, energy and space sectors.

The discussions reportedly focused on regional security developments, the evolving situation in Afghanistan, terrorism-related threats and the future of the longstanding Russia–India strategic partnership.

Security analysts believe Moscow’s growing engagement with the Taliban reflects Russia’s desire to strengthen its political and security footprint in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of Western forces. The partnership is also seen as part of Russia’s broader effort to contain extremist threats emanating from Afghanistan and to safeguard the security of Central Asian states.

Under the reported agreement, Russia is expected to provide military education and specialised training to Afghan defence personnel in areas including border security, counterterrorism, intelligence operations and special forces capabilities.

The Taliban administration currently controls a significant inventory of Russian-origin military equipment inherited from the former Afghan security forces, including Mi-17 helicopters, military vehicles and various weapons systems. Technical maintenance, spare parts support and repair services are believed to be part of the cooperation framework.

Both Russia and the Taliban view the regional branch of the Islamic State, commonly known as Islamic State Khorasan Province, as a major security threat. Intelligence sharing and coordinated counterterrorism measures are therefore expected to form a central pillar of the partnership.

Moscow is particularly concerned about the potential movement of militant groups from Afghanistan into neighbouring Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Enhanced border surveillance and technical assistance are reportedly being considered to address these concerns.

While Russia appears cautious about supplying large quantities of advanced weaponry to the Taliban at this stage, analysts suggest that communications systems, surveillance equipment, counter-drone technologies and logistical support could be provided under future arrangements.

For India, the development carries significant strategic implications. New Delhi has traditionally maintained a cautious approach towards the Taliban and is closely monitoring the implications of Russia’s deepening ties with Kabul.

Indian policymakers are believed to be assessing whether Russia’s growing role in Afghanistan could alter regional power balances and potentially reduce India’s influence in future discussions concerning Afghanistan’s political and security architecture.

Indian strategic circles view Russia’s objectives as primarily focused on containing ISIS-K, securing Central Asia and filling the geopolitical vacuum that emerged after the decline of Western influence in Afghanistan. As a result, any undisclosed provisions of the agreement are widely expected to centre on intelligence cooperation, counterterrorism coordination, border management and military training rather than large-scale arms transfers.

Doval’s engagements in Moscow were less about participating in the agreement itself and more about understanding its scope, assessing its implications and ensuring that India’s security interests remain protected amid rapidly evolving regional alignments involving Russia, China and the Taliban administration.

As Afghanistan continues to reshape regional geopolitics, India appears determined to maintain an active role in the emerging security landscape while preserving its longstanding strategic partnership with Russia.