Russia and Afghanistan Strengthen Ties Ahead of Trans-Afghan Corridor

Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu announced that Russia would remove the blacklist status from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) in anticipation of a lucrative trade and transportation deal.

The Trans-Afghan Corridor railway service will connect Afghanistan to ports in Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The 573 km railway is expected to cost between $4.8 billion and $6.9 billion, with construction beginning in 2025. This will simplify transit as cargo will be able to reach Pakistan in Uzbekistan in 3 to 5 days compared to the 35 days it currently takes. The line will also incorporate road transport. Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, and Belarus all have a hand in this major project.

Now there are numerous variables for concern. Pakistan and Afghanistan will need to maintain strong diplomatic ties. Afghanistan has a notoriously rough and unforgiving landscape, and the line will need to operable in extreme weather conditions. Numerous nations, especially Pakistan, needs to rapidly fix its infrastructure. The presence of various extremist groups in the region are concerning to all involved.

Russia has stated that they would provide most of the financial backing for this project as it enables it to expand influence throughout South and Central Adia. Russia has expressed a further interest in investing in Afghanistan as it is rich in mining and agriculture.

The international community does not see the Taliban as a legitimate government, rightfully so, but the group has been in power since August 2021 after America retreated from Afghanistan under Biden’s orders. The Taliban has collapsed the nation’s economy, with over 90% of the population facing food insecurity. They have absolutely no idea how to run a nation and have been at the mercy of both China and Russia. China’s own Belt and Road Imitative is another potentially lucrative contender for the region, even though China does not officially acknowledge the Taliban as a legitimate government.

Estimates state that the Trans-Afghan Corridor will be complete by 2030, a pivotal year for geopolitics. The international community will certainly be in an uproar now that Moscow is officially partnering with the IEA.