Russia sends major business delegation to Kabul for business talks with the Taliban
A high-level Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk arrived in Kabul on Thursday for business talks with the Taliban government.
The Russian delegation, consisting of 70 business representatives, was welcomed by a guard of honour during their arrival in Kabul. Overchuk met with key Taliban officials including Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar, and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss potential economic partnerships.
Afghan investment opportunities
Baradar presented Afghanistan's economic potential to the Russian delegation, highlighting the country's strategic location, abundant resources, and 24 million-strong workforce. He specifically invited Russian investment in agriculture, mining, infrastructure projects including roads and railways, and the creation of special economic zones.
Expanding trade relations
Overchuk confirmed that Russian companies are already operating in Afghanistan and that many others are interested in entering the market. The delegation represents businesses in transport, logistics, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. The Taliban government has expressed particular interest in Russian chemical fertilizers and potential fertilizer production plants in Afghanistan.
According to Overchuk, trade between Russia and Afghanistan in the first eight months of 2026 more than doubled, reaching over $349 million. Russia officially recognized the Taliban government in July 2025, becoming the only nation to do so since the Taliban seized power in 2021.
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