Russia President Vladimir Putin recently acknowledged the Taliban’s authority in Afghanistan, emphasising that the group was making significant strides in tackling terrorism and curbing opium production. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Putin outlined why Russia had officially recognized the Taliban government in Kabul. Putin’s statement challenges Pakistan’s long-held narrative, which accuses the Taliban of supporting terrorist organisations, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad has also insinuated that the Taliban is a "puppet" regime controlled by India, an accusation New Delhi has denied.&nbsp;Amid this diplomatic clash, Putin’s comments have added weight to the Taliban’s claim of being a stabilising force in Afghanistan. He pointed out, “Every nation faces challenges, and Afghanistan is no exception, especially after decades of internal conflict. However, the Taliban now clearly controls the situation, and that is an undeniable reality.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-summit-2025-from-assam-tea-to-marble-chess-set-here-s-what-all-pm-modi-gifted-russia-president-vladimir-putin-check-the-complete-list-1764947216236">India-Russia Summit 2025: From Assam tea to marble chess set — Here's what all PM Modi gifted Russia President&nbsp;Vladimir&nbsp;Putin. Check the complete list</a>&nbsp;Putin further asserted that the Taliban has made significant progress in combatting various terrorist groups, including ISIS-Khorasan and others. “We are fully aware of the steps taken by the Afghan government against terrorism,” he noted. Russia’s diplomatic ties with the Taliban have grown stronger, with Moscow being the first major nation to formally recognise the Taliban-led government. In the interview, Putin acknowledged the Taliban's efforts in reducing the production of opium and addressing drug-related threats. “The Taliban government is actively working to combat drug trafficking within its borders,” he remarked.&nbsp;The Russian president's endorsement also contradicted Pakistan's accusations that the Taliban is harboring and arming the TTP, which has been responsible for a rising number of attacks inside Pakistan since 2022. By praising the Taliban’s counter-terrorism measures and their focus on ISIS-K, Putin has implicitly sided with Kabul's narrative, distancing Russia from Pakistan’s perspective. This comes at a time of deteriorating relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, marked by ongoing cross-border military exchanges and Pakistan’s controversial expulsion of over 500,000 Afghan refugees.

Russia President Vladimir Putin defends Taliban's counter-terrorism efforts, challenges Pakistan’s narrative

Russia President Vladimir Putin recently acknowledged the Taliban’s authority in Afghanistan, emphasising that the group was making significant strides in tackling terrorism and curbing opium production. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Putin outlined why Russia had officially recognized the Taliban government in Kabul. Putin’s statement challenges Pakistan’s long-held narrative, which accuses the Taliban of supporting terrorist organisations, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad has also insinuated that the Taliban is a "puppet" regime controlled by India, an accusation New Delhi has denied. Amid this diplomatic clash, Putin’s comments have added weight to the Taliban’s claim of being a stabilising force in Afghanistan. He pointed out, “Every nation faces challenges, and Afghanistan is no exception, especially after decades of internal conflict. However, the Taliban now clearly controls the situation, and that is an undeniable reality.” Also Read: India-Russia Summit 2025: From Assam tea to marble chess set — Here's what all PM Modi gifted Russia President Vladimir Putin. Check the complete list Putin further asserted that the Taliban has made significant progress in combatting various terrorist groups, including ISIS-Khorasan and others. “We are fully aware of the steps taken by the Afghan government against terrorism,” he noted. Russia’s diplomatic ties with the Taliban have grown stronger, with Moscow being the first major nation to formally recognise the Taliban-led government. In the interview, Putin acknowledged the Taliban's efforts in reducing the production of opium and addressing drug-related threats. “The Taliban government is actively working to combat drug trafficking within its borders,” he remarked. The Russian president's endorsement also contradicted Pakistan's accusations that the Taliban is harboring and arming the TTP, which has been responsible for a rising number of attacks inside Pakistan since 2022. By praising the Taliban’s counter-terrorism measures and their focus on ISIS-K, Putin has implicitly sided with Kabul's narrative, distancing Russia from Pakistan’s perspective. This comes at a time of deteriorating relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, marked by ongoing cross-border military exchanges and Pakistan’s controversial expulsion of over 500,000 Afghan refugees.

Putin praises Taliban's counter-terrorism efforts, challenges Pakistan's claims, and stresses that Russia's growing ties with Afghanistan's new government

The Taliban has assured Tajikistan of strengthened border cooperation and improved security measures. This development comes amid regional concerns over border management and stability in Central Asia.

Taliban Assures Tajikistan on Strengthened Border Security Cooperation

The Taliban carried out a public execution in Khost Sports Stadium, putting to death a man convicted of murdering 13 members of a family, including nine children and their mother. The execution, attended by tens of thousands, was ordered after a death sentence was upheld by Afghan courts and approved by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. 


Taliban Executes Murderer in Packed Khost Stadium 

At least 10 civilians, including nine children, were killed after Pakistan launched overnight airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Khost province, according to the Taliban. Kabul condemned the attack as an “invasion,” warning of rising tensions between the two neighbors.


Breaking: Afghanistan claims at least 10 killed in Pakistan strikes 

A Taliban military officer has issued a stark warning to Pakistan, threatening a potential "martyrdom" attack. Rising tensions in the region have put authorities on high alert, with security forces monitoring possible cross-border threats.

Pakistan: Taliban Issues Chilling Threat to Islamabad | Tensions at Breaking Point

Pakistan: Taliban Issues Chilling Threat to Pakistan’s Capital, Islamabad

Taliban Military Officer Warns Pakistan of 'Martyrdom' Attack

The Pakistan Taliban (TTP) has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in Islamabad, raising concerns over security in the capital. Authorities are investigating the blast, while security forces have been deployed to secure the area.

Pakistan Taliban Claims Suicide Attack in Islamabad

The Taliban government has triggered fresh tensions with Pakistan by releasing a controversial “Greater Afghanistan” map depicting parts of Pakistani territory as Afghan land.
The move comes days before peace talks in Istanbul, aimed at easing recent border clashes.
In a separate speech, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani issued a sharp warning to Islamabad, saying Afghanistan would deliver a “crushing response” if its patience was tested again.
Analysts fear the dispute over the historic Durand Line could derail ongoing efforts to stabilise fragile ties between the two neighbours.

Taliban's 'Greater Afghanistan' Map Sparks Puts Pakistan On Edge

Our story begins with a question: Can Pakistan break free from the cycle of violence along its western border, or is it trapped in a storm of its own making? Afghanistan’s interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani delivered a stark warning to Pakistan. The warning comes with a message
Watch this story.

Afghan interior minister: Seek peace, but will defend with force

In a stark and forceful warning, Pakistan’s Defence Minister has publicly threatened to “obliterate” the Taliban regime, signaling a dramatic escalation in rhetoric that could have major regional security implications. The statement raises urgent questions about Islamabad’s intent, possible conditions that would trigger military action, and how neighbouring countries and international partners might react.
This report examines what was said, the political and military context, likely scenarios, and the potential impact on Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, counterterrorism cooperation, and wider regional stability. Tune in for expert analysis and reaction from diplomatic and defence circles.

Pak Defence Minister Threatens To Obliterate Taliban Regime

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Pakistani Taliban Taunts Gen Asim Munir to Come for a Battle 'If He is a Man?'

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has ordered the immediate construction of dams on the Kunar River, a key water source flowing into Pakistan. This move aims to assert Afghanistan’s sovereignty over its water resources and restrict water supply to Pakistan, escalating tensions in the region. 

Water Wars: Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Escalate Over Kunar River Dam Plans 

Pakistan has signaled that the fragile truce with Afghanistan depends heavily on the Taliban’s commitment to stop cross-border incursions. A Pakistani minister has publicly linked continued peace to Taliban cooperation, raising questions about the durability of the ceasefire amid growing security concerns.

Pak-Afghan War: How Long Will Pak-Afghan Truce Last? | Minister Warns Taliban on Incursions | WION 

Afghanistan-Pakistan Clash: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to escalate as fragile ceasefires collapse and border skirmishes intensify. With unrest on multiple fronts, Pakistan faces the growing threat of a multi-front conflict.


Pakistan Strikes Afghanistan: Afghan Cricket Community Mourns Loss Of 3 Players Killed

Afghan-Pak War: Pakistan Pounds Afghanistan As 48-Hour Ceasefire Ends

Seven Pakistani soldiers were killed and 13 others injured in a 'coordinated suicide attack' on a military camp in North Waziristan on Friday, Pakistani security officials said. The assault occurred hours before Islamabad and Kabul were set to hold peace talks in Doha.


Suicide Attack Near Pak-Afghanistan Kills 7: Doha To Host Pak-Afghan Truce Talks? 

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said the country views India as a close friend, highlighting that New Delhi was the first responder during the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. Speaking on bilateral ties, he emphasized that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used to threaten or act against other nations.

Afghanistan Aims To Boost Investments in Mining, Woos Indian Investors At FICCI

After facing sharp criticism for excluding women journalists from a press meet in New Delhi on Friday, visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Sunday called another, "inclusive" press conference and offered a clarification for the earlier omission.


Muttaqi's press meet redo with women journalists, says 'snub not intentional'

A U.S. watchdog report reveals that weapons and equipment worth $7.1 billion are now under Taliban control. The gear was left behind after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, despite Washington spending over $18.6 billion to arm and train Afghan forces.


Afghanistan: US spent more than $18.6 bn arming & equipping Afghan forces 

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi holds a crucial briefing on the escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions. He delivers a stern warning, highlighting Afghanistan’s firm stance and regional concerns. 


Breaking: Amir Khan Muttaqi holds press conference in New Delhi, women journalists attend press meet

BREAKING: Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to Agra cancelled

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said the country views India as a close friend, highlighting that New Delhi was the first responder during the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. Speaking on bilateral ties, he emphasized that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used to threaten or act against other nations.


India-Afghanistan ties: Pak Defence Minister says India creating chaos via Afghanistan 

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a bilateral meeting with visiting Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Friday (Oct 10) announced that India will upgrade its technical mission in the Afghanistan capital Kabul to an embassy. India had closed its embassy as well as consulates in Afghanistan in August 2021, after the Taliban took control of the government. With this, India is officially restoring diplomatic ties with Taliban-led Afghanistan government. Muttaqi's visit is being watched closely by the world at large as it is the first high-level diplomatic engagement between the India and Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in 2021 after the withdrawal of US troops.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Opening remarks at my meeting with Afghan FM Muttaqi, in New Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/incgPxvRnH">https://t.co/incgPxvRnH</a>&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1976537194497024330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-afghanistan-s-support-to-india-during-pahalgam-terror-attack-was-noteworthy-says-foreign-minister-jaishankar-at-meeting-with-taliban-counterpart-1760078480690">'Afghanistan's support to India during Pahalgam terror attack was noteworthy', says foreign minister Jaishankar at meeting with Taliban counterpart</a><h2>What is the significance of India's decision?</h2>India’s decision to reopen its embassy in Kabul marks a renewed diplomatic engagement with the Taliban-led administration, reversing its 2021 withdrawal of diplomatic staff and closure of missions. This move strengthens India’s involvement in Afghanistan’s future, positioning it to play a more active role in rebuilding efforts, humanitarian outreach, and infrastructure support. The restored diplomatic presence opens a clear path for bilateral discussions on critical security issues like border management, anti-terrorism cooperation, and regional safety.&nbsp;Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-afghans-have-always-been-loyal-to-india-explosions-rock-kabul-within-48-hours-of-pak-minister-vowing-big-action-what-happened-1760061090838">'Afghans have always been loyal to India': Explosions rock Kabul within 48 hours of Pak minister 'vowing big action' - What happened</a>&nbsp;Strategically, this development enhances India’s influence in the region, particularly in counterbalance to rivals like China and Pakistan, as the future of Afghanistan continues to evolve. Though the reopening does not signify official recognition of the Taliban regime, it signals a shift toward a more pragmatic approach in India’s foreign policy—focusing on engagement over isolation.&nbsp;However, the decision could spark international and domestic scrutiny due to the Taliban’s track record on human rights, particularly its treatment of women and minorities. Additionally, resuming full operations in Kabul enables India to protect its past investments and potentially restart infrastructure and aid projects that had been halted since the Taliban takeover.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-s-taliban-led-government-hopes-india-will-recognise-them-says-key-official-1760026983154">Afghanistan's Taliban-led government hopes India will recognise them, says key official</a>&nbsp;

India announced the upgrade of its Kabul technical mission to a full embassy during Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit, officially restoring diplomatic ties with Taliban-led Afghanistan. This marks the first high-level India-Afghanistan engagement since the 2021 Taliban takeover.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a bilateral meeting with visiting Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Friday (Oct 10) announced that India will upgrade its technical mission in the Afghanistan capital Kabul to an embassy. India had closed its embassy as well as consulates in Afghanistan in August 2021, after the Taliban took control of the government. With this, India is officially restoring diplomatic ties with Taliban-led Afghanistan government. Muttaqi's visit is being watched closely by the world at large as it is the first high-level diplomatic engagement between the India and Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in 2021 after the withdrawal of US troops.

India announced the upgrade of its Kabul technical mission to a full embassy during Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit, officially restoring diplomatic ties with Taliban-led Afghanistan. This marks the first high-level India-Afghanistan engagement since the 2021 Taliban takeover.

India reopens Kabul embassy, restores full diplomatic ties with Taliban-led Afghanistan - What this means

Afghanistan's Taliban-appointed Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is scheduled to meet India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi. Watch this to know more!

Taliban's Muttaqi To Meet S Jaishankar, Will India Recognise Taliban Government 

Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has arrived in India for an eight-day visit. The visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban, focusing on regional security, political dialogue, and bilateral relations.


Breaking: Amir Khan Muttaqi visiting India for eight days 

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has urged Western nations to revise their stance on Afghanistan, calling for a more pragmatic and inclusive approach. Speaking at a regional summit, Lavrov emphasized that isolating the Taliban government is counterproductive. What does this signal for future geopolitics in the region?

Russia's Foreign Minister Asks the West to Change Its Approach Towards Afghanistan

The United Nations has launched a formal investigation into the Taliban’s escalating human rights abuses, particularly targeting Afghan women. With girls banned from education and job opportunities shrinking, many turned to online learning as their only remaining option. But now, the Taliban has imposed a nationwide internet blackout, leaving countless women cut off from the world. For many, this was their last hope. Watch how lives have been upended by this digital crackdown.

UN Launches Probe Into Taliban 'Abuses': Women's Rights Being Crushed

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi required a waiver from the UN’s 1988 Sanctions Committee to travel internationally. He has been the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan since Taliban took over control in August 2021.


Breaking: Afghanistan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to visit India next week

Mobile phone and internet services were restored in Afghanistan on Wednesday, local residents said, some 48 hours after diplomatic and industry sources said connectivity was abruptly cut on the orders of the Taliban administration.


Taliban Officials Deny Ban, Blame Old, Worn Out Fibre Optic Cables Behind Outage

Mobile networks and the internet were restored across Afghanistan on Wednesday, 48 hours after the Taliban authorities shut down telecommunications. Confusion gripped the South Asian country on Monday night when mobile phone service and the internet went down without warning, freezing businesses and cutting Afghans off from the rest of the world. The massive blackout came weeks after the government began cutting high-speed internet connections to some provinces to prevent "immorality", on the orders of shadowy supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.&nbsp;AFP journalists reported on Wednesday that mobile phone signals and Wi-Fi had returned to provinces across the country, including Kandahar in the south, Khost in the east, central Ghazni, and Herat in the west. The Taliban government has yet to comment on the telecommunications shutdown. On Wednesday night, hundreds of Afghans poured onto the streets in the capital Kabul, spreading the word that the internet was back.&nbsp;"It's like Eid al-Adha; it's like preparing to go for prayer," said 26-year-old Sohrab Ahmadi, a delivery driver. “We are very happy from the bottom of our hearts.” After days of tension, Afghans celebrated by buying sweets and balloons, as drivers honked their horns, phones pressed to their ears. "The city is alive again," Mohammad Tawab Farooqi, a restaurant manager in the city told AFP.<h2>Businesses, airports, banks closed</h2>It is the first time since the Taliban government won their insurgency in 2021 and imposed a strict version of Islamic law that communications have been cut in the country. Netblocks, a watchdog organisation that monitors cybersecurity and internet governance, said the blackout "appears consistent with the intentional disconnection of service".It said connectivity had slowed to one percent of ordinary levels.&nbsp;A government official warned AFP minutes before the shutdown on Monday evening that the fiber optic network would be cut, affecting mobile phone services, "until further notice". There were widespread closures of businesses, airports, and markets, while banks and post offices were unable to operate. Afghans were unable to contact each other in or out of the country, and many families stopped their children from going to school during the uncertainty.&nbsp;Those living in Herat and Kandahar travelled to border towns to catch signals from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan. The United Nations said on Tuesday the shutdown "left Afghanistan almost completely cut off from the outside world", and called on authorities to restore access. Internet connections have been extremely slow or intermittent over the past weeks. On September 16, when the first internet services were first cut in northern provinces, Balkh provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaid said the ban had been ordered by the Taliban's leader.&nbsp;"This measure was taken to prevent vice, and alternative options will be put in place across the country to meet connectivity needs," he wrote on social media. "Recent studies in Afghanistan found that internet applications have badly affected the ongoing, economic, cultural and religious foundations of society," he said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Mobile and internet restored across Afghanistan after shutdown

Mobile networks and the internet were restored across Afghanistan on Wednesday, 48 hours after the Taliban authorities shut down telecommunications. Confusion gripped the South Asian country on Monday night when mobile phone service and the internet went down without warning, freezing businesses and cutting Afghans off from the rest of the world. The massive blackout came weeks after the government began cutting high-speed internet connections to some provinces to prevent "immorality", on the orders of shadowy supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. AFP journalists reported on Wednesday that mobile phone signals and Wi-Fi had returned to provinces across the country, including Kandahar in the south, Khost in the east, central Ghazni, and Herat in the west. The Taliban government has yet to comment on the telecommunications shutdown. On Wednesday night, hundreds of Afghans poured onto the streets in the capital Kabul, spreading the word that the internet was back. "It's like Eid al-Adha; it's like preparing to go for prayer," said 26-year-old Sohrab Ahmadi, a delivery driver. “We are very happy from the bottom of our hearts.” After days of tension, Afghans celebrated by buying sweets and balloons, as drivers honked their horns, phones pressed to their ears. "The city is alive again," Mohammad Tawab Farooqi, a restaurant manager in the city told AFP. Businesses, airports, banks closed It is the first time since the Taliban government won their insurgency in 2021 and imposed a strict version of Islamic law that communications have been cut in the country. Netblocks, a watchdog organisation that monitors cybersecurity and internet governance, said the blackout "appears consistent with the intentional disconnection of service". It said connectivity had slowed to one percent of ordinary levels. A government official warned AFP minutes before the shutdown on Monday evening that the fiber optic network would be cut, affecting mobile phone services, "until further notice". There were widespread closures of businesses, airports, and markets, while banks and post offices were unable to operate. Afghans were unable to contact each other in or out of the country, and many families stopped their children from going to school during the uncertainty. Those living in Herat and Kandahar travelled to border towns to catch signals from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan. The United Nations said on Tuesday the shutdown "left Afghanistan almost completely cut off from the outside world", and called on authorities to restore access. Internet connections have been extremely slow or intermittent over the past weeks. On September 16, when the first internet services were first cut in northern provinces, Balkh provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaid said the ban had been ordered by the Taliban's leader. "This measure was taken to prevent vice, and alternative options will be put in place across the country to meet connectivity needs," he wrote on social media. "Recent studies in Afghanistan found that internet applications have badly affected the ongoing, economic, cultural and religious foundations of society," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The massive blackout came weeks after the government began cutting high-speed internet connections to some provinces to prevent immorality, on the orders of shadowy supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada

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