Russia’s Engagement in Afghanistan Pre and Post 2001 and Future

The Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, followed by its dismemberment, did not entirely diminish Russia’s influence in the area. Russia maintained its presence and engaged with successive Afghan governments primarily through sustained Indo-Russia relations. The events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent U.S. invasion of Afghanistan renewed Russia’s strategic interests in the region. By examining Russia’s official foreign policy documents, this chapter highlights why Afghanistan holds significant importance for Russia’s economic and geostrategic reassertion in the region. It addresses key questions such as the main considerations of Russia’s Afghan policy, the evolution of this policy since 2001, how Russia plans to engage with the new Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and whether neighboring countries such as Pakistan should be cautious about Russia’s resurging interest in Afghanistan. From a theoretical perspective, the chapter underscores how the United States succumbed to a “hegemonic overstretch,” leading to its inability to prepare and establish competitive players in Afghanistan vis-à-vis the Taliban. As a result, Russia is compelled to engage with the Taliban as a major player in the Afghan landscape.