# Russia-Afghanistan diplomatic and economic relations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-afghanistan-diplomatic-and-economic-relations > Updated: 2026-10-21T16:40:54.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Russia is pursuing a comprehensive strategic partnership with Afghanistan, focusing on security, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation. Diplomatic efforts have included a visit by foreign intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin to Kabul and an upcoming visit by a high-level delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. On the security front, Moscow aims to expand cooperation regarding counterterrorism and anti-drug operations. This potential collaboration may include providing weapons, drone warfare training, and conducting joint anti-terror exercises to assist the Taliban in combating ISIS-K, which Russia identifies as a threat to Central Asian stability. Russia has also expressed interest in mediating diplomatic differences between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Economically, Russia is targeting Afghanistan’s mining industry, which is valued at approximately $1 trillion. Securing access to Afghanistan’s critical minerals is viewed as a strategic priority for Russia to support technological sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: Russia seeks strategic partnership with Afghanistan Russia is pursuing a strategic partnership with Afghanistan, focusing on counterterrorism cooperation, military-technical assistance, and access to Afghanistan’s critical mineral resources. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-seeks-strategic-partnership-with-afghanistan ### 2026-10-18: Russia to send high-level delegation to Afghanistan for economic talks Russia is preparing a high-level delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk to visit Afghanistan to expand trade, which has already doubled this year, and discuss security and mining cooperation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-to-send-high-level-delegation-to-afghanistan-for-economic-talks --- Cite as: Russia-Afghanistan diplomatic and economic relations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-afghanistan-diplomatic-and-economic-relations