Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to attend a “Moscow Format” meeting on Afghanistan in the Russian capital on Tuesday, where he is expected to make the push for formal recognition of the Taliban-led government his top priority.
The Moscow Format is a regional diplomatic framework that includes Russia, Iran, Pakistan, China, India, and the Central Asian republics. Established in 2017 to coordinate policies on Afghanistan and regional security, the group has taken on new importance since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
According to Afghan media, Muttaqi will urge participants to formally recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) — the official name of the Taliban government — and expand bilateral diplomatic relations.
Currently, Russia is the only country that has formally recognized the IEA, though Kabul maintains diplomatic relations with all of its neighbors, including China, which recently accepted an IEA ambassador.
Following the Moscow meeting, Muttaqi is scheduled to travel to India on Friday for the first official visit by an IEA representative since 2021. His trip to New Delhi — which will run from October 9th to 16th — is expected to focus on deepening bilateral ties and advancing discussions on formal recognition.
India has already handed over full control of Afghanistan’s consulate in Mumbai to IEA authorities, while the consulate in Hyderabad is also under Kabul’s supervision. Earlier this year, both Afghan and Indian media reported that negotiations were underway to transfer control of the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi to the IEA as well — a move that could further consolidate Taliban diplomatic legitimacy.
Since assuming office in 2021, Muttaqi has led an assertive campaign to secure international recognition for the Taliban and regain control of Afghan diplomatic missions abroad. The policy has been largely successful: most Afghan embassies and consulates worldwide are now either under IEA management, taking directives from Kabul, or have ceased operations — effectively sidelining diplomats from the former U.S.-backed Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.