Global Powers Are Now Talking to the Taliban — Here’s Why

The Taliban government in Afghanistan had not been openly recognised by the world until now, but a significant shift has occurred on this front. Russia has become the first country to provide official recognition to the Taliban government. This announcement came after a meeting between Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov in Kabul.

Muttaqi called this decision a courageous step and claimed that Pakistan, China, India, and even the United States are now in contact with them. The question arises: why has the demand for the Taliban—once branded as terrorists—suddenly increased? Let’s understand.

1. Strategic Location – A Need for Every Powerful Nation

No matter how extremist the Taliban may be, Afghanistan’s geopolitical location is too critical to be ignored. The country acts like a land bridge between India, China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan. Situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia, Afghanistan is strategically vital for every major power.

Historically, Afghanistan was also part of the Silk Road. Now, as China advances its Belt and Road Initiative and Russia seeks new transport corridors, Afghanistan's importance has further increased. In short, any country that manages to extend its influence here can impact the entire geopolitical balance of Asia.

2. Mineral wealth—the Taliban’s Greatest Strength

Beneath Taliban-controlled Afghanistan lies mineral wealth worth billions of dollars. According to a U.S. report, the country holds minerals valued at nearly $1 trillion (approx. ₹83 lakh crore). The core minerals include, like, lithium, copper, cobalt, gold, iron ore, and gemstones.

Eyeing these resources, the U.S. made a mining deal in 2017, but it remained incomplete due to events in 2021. Now, countries like China and Russia are vying to seize this opportunity. In an age of electric vehicles and batteries, the global demand for minerals like lithium has surged — and the Taliban can now use them as bargaining chips.

3. A Key Link in Oil-Gas and Rail Corridors

Afghanistan has become important not just because of minerals but also as a transit route for energy. Due to Western sanctions on Russia and Iran, there's a push to find alternative routes for transporting oil and gas from Central Asia — with Afghanistan as a crucial link.

Projects like the TAPI pipeline (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India), the CASA-1000 electricity project, and the Five Nations Railway Corridor cannot move forward without Taliban support.

Talking to the Taliban Is Now a Compulsion

Despite the Taliban's extremist ideology, restrictions on women, and ongoing human rights violations, the truth is that international powers are now prioritising their strategic and economic interests. Russia’s recognition clearly signals that if the Taliban remain in power, other countries may also pragmatically improve relations with them — as long as they see a benefit.