India on Monday reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity at the 8th Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, hosted by Russia in Moscow, while reiterating its commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people.
The Indian delegation, led by Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar and Joint Secretary (PAI) Dr M Suresh Kumar, conveyed New Delhi’s position during the meeting. Representatives from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the consultations. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi headed Afghanistan’s delegation, while Belarus and Egypt attended as guests.
In a post on X, the Embassy of India in Russia said the country’s longstanding friendship with Afghanistan underpins its commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people and its support for the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, participants emphasised the importance of developing equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with Kabul and supporting Afghanistan’s integration into the global economy. They also called on the international community to provide regular humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, stressing that aid should not be politicised.
Addressing the forum, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the Moscow Format provides a platform for countries interested in building mutually beneficial partnerships with Afghanistan. He noted that the consultations offer an opportunity to discuss international assistance in coordination with the Afghan authorities.
Lavrov described August 2026 as the fifth anniversary of the end of the Western military presence in Afghanistan, claiming that the withdrawal of US and NATO forces reflected the determination of the Afghan people.
He also praised Afghanistan’s efforts to combat the Islamic State (ISIS) and other terrorist groups, alongside its campaign against drug trafficking. Referring to the elimination of militants and the prevention of major terrorist attacks, Lavrov said international cooperation could help strengthen Kabul’s counterterrorism capabilities through material assistance, technical expertise and closer coordination between intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
On the economic front, Lavrov said Afghanistan continued to develop despite Western sanctions and restrictions on its access to the international financial system. According to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, he criticised the freezing of Afghan national banking assets and the restrictions imposed on the country’s financial engagement with the international community.
Lavrov also highlighted the Afghan authorities’ commitment to regional energy cooperation, including the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. He said the authorities had introduced tax reforms, strengthened anti-corruption legislation and taken steps to revive domestic industries.
Russia, he added, would continue providing regular humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, with another shipment expected to arrive in the coming months.
Lavrov also expressed strong opposition to the deployment of NATO military infrastructure in Afghanistan or neighbouring countries, arguing that such a presence could increase regional instability, tensions and the risk of conflict.
Established in 2017, the Moscow Format Consultations bring together countries involved in discussions on Afghanistan’s political, economic and security situation. The forum aims to promote national reconciliation and facilitate the establishment of lasting peace in the country.
On the sidelines of the consultations, Lavrov held separate talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi to discuss prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation and coordinating engagement through international and regional forums.
The discussions highlighted India’s continued support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and the welfare of its people, alongside broader calls for humanitarian assistance, economic integration and constructive engagement with Kabul.
