Kathmandu— Five years after regaining power, the Taliban government in Afghanistan has successfully cultivated expanding ties in key areas – security, trade, energy, and transport – with a growing number of countries. While Russia officially recognized the Afghan government in July 2025, most of the international community continues to withhold full political recognition; however, Kabul has actively integrated itself into the regional diplomatic landscape, fostering relations that are steadily deepening.

Expanding Diplomatic Footprint

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated that Kabul is “currently dealing with more than 40 diplomatic missions, including embassies and consulates in various countries,” alongside numerous foreign organizations operating within Afghanistan. China has become a prominent partner, maintaining its embassy in Kabul and collaborating closely on security and investment initiatives, particularly the Logar copper mine project which represents a nearly $3.4 billion investment from a Chinese company originally contracted in 2008. In January 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping formally accepted credentials from the Taliban’s ambassador to Beijing, despite China not offering official recognition of the current government.

Regional Trade and Tensions

The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is particularly complex; for decades, Pakistan was considered a key supporter of the Afghan Taliban. However, relations have deteriorated since the Taliban returned to power, largely due to Pakistani allegations – which Kabul denies – that Afghanistan provides safe haven to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an armed group responsible for numerous deadly attacks in Pakistan. In response, Kabul has increasingly leveraged trade and border crossings, diversifying routes through Iran and Central Asia to lessen its dependence on Pakistani ports. Uzbekistan is also actively strengthening economic ties with the Taliban, signing trade agreements worth approximately $520 million in 2026, including a proposed railway project that would connect Uzbekistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan.

Security Concerns Drive Cooperation

The threat posed by ISIL (ISIS) represents a “more pressing motive” for Russia and Central Asian states to cooperate with the Taliban, according to security expert Abdul Jalil Amini. These countries believe the Taliban is capable of controlling shared borders and has maintained a degree of stability and security. Similarly, Turkmenistan is engaged with Kabul through the multibillion-dollar TAPI gas pipeline project, though progress on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline remains stalled due to tensions between India and Pakistan, as well as ongoing issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Balancing Regional Interests

Iran and India are also carefully navigating their interests in Afghanistan. Tehran maintains strong trade and energy relations with Kabul, offering the Chabahar port as an alternative route while facing friction over water rights to the Helmand River. New Delhi is gradually rebuilding ties to counter influence from Pakistan and China. Farid Mamundzay, former Afghan ambassador to India, explained that the Taliban pursues a “pragmatic policy through which it seeks to maintain balanced relations with various powers to serve its interests.” Gulf states like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have maintained diplomatic presences in Kabul, though their engagement is less extensive than that of Central Asian nations.

Western Engagement Remains Limited

Western nations continue communication with the Taliban government primarily regarding security, counterterrorism, migration, and humanitarian aid. However, issues surrounding women’s rights and governance remain significant obstacles to formal recognition. Strategic relations expert Najib al-Kuzi stated that relations between Washington and Kabul “did not stop since the American withdrawal, but they were largely confined to the security and intelligence fields.” European countries also maintain working relations, with the EU mission continuing operations from Kabul.

The Taliban continues to strengthen its regional partnerships while navigating a complex international landscape, demonstrating an ability to secure pragmatic alliances even without widespread formal recognition.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.