The Taliban have welcomed recent statements from Russia and India, with deputy spokesperson Hamidullah Fitrat saying the group maintains positive relations with both countries and seeks constructive engagement with all regional partners.

In a video message on Saturday, Fitrat urged neighbouring states to expand meaningful cooperation with the group to preserve stability and strengthen regional connectivity.

His remarks followed comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who told India Today that engagement with the Taliban was necessary because the group represents the current reality in Afghanistan and is fighting “terrorist organizations such as ISIS.” Russia is the only country to have formally recognized the Taliban, and despite concerns over rising extremism, Moscow continues to emphasise engagement and cooperation.

India, too, has expanded its contacts with the Taliban. Following heightened tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan, the group’s foreign and commerce ministers travelled to New Delhi, where they agreed with Indian officials to deepen trade and transit ties. India is also expected to supply medicines to Afghanistan after the Taliban banned pharmaceutical imports from Pakistan.