Moscow Format meeting to address Afghanistan security and regional tensions

The eighth meeting of the Moscow Format consultations on Afghanistan is scheduled to take place in Moscow on October 5. The Russian-led forum will bring together representatives from Afghanistan and nine regional nations, including China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Russia. Belarus and Egypt have also been invited as guests.

Discussions are expected to focus on political and economic cooperation, terrorism, drug trafficking, and regional connectivity. A primary point of contention to be addressed is the escalating tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan regarding cross-border militancy and the activities of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Russia has expressed readiness to use the platform to mediate between Kabul and Islamabad to reach a compromise.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to attend and is scheduled for bilateral talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This follows Russia’s formal recognition of the Taliban administration in 2025 and the Taliban's first participation as a formal member during the previous meeting.