Afghanistan, July 4 -- Russia's recognition of the Taliban signals a strategic shift in Central and South Asia, ushering in a new Great Game of regional and global power dynamics.
Russia's recognition of the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan marks a significant shift in geopolitical alignments, signaling Moscow's broader strategy to expand its influence in Central and South Asia. Officially recognized on July 3, 2025, Russia becomes the first nation to acknowledge the Taliban's rule, ushering in a new Great Game of regional and global power dynamics.
Following the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, Russia maintained a pragmatic relationship by keeping its embassy open and engaging in unofficial diplomacy. In 2025,...