Russian Envoy Says Taliban-Pakistan Tensions Delay Key Economic Projects

Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special representative for Afghanistan, stated that escalating tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan have delayed Russia's economic projects in the country.

Practical work on the Trans-Afghan railway, which would run from Termez through Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul to Peshawar, and an oil refinery has not begun. The projects remain at the design stage.

A feasibility study agreement for the railway was signed in 2025 and was due in early 2026, but it has been delayed by insecurity, according to industrial sources. The railway would provide Russia access to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan and India. Kabulov noted that an alternative route via Torghundi, Herat and Iran would be simpler.

The oil refinery project involving Russian companies has been suspended due to the security situation. Afghanistan imports much of its petroleum from Russia, making a domestic refinery important.

Diplomatic efforts, including Chinese-mediated talks in Urumqi in April, have not resulted in de-escalation. Moscow is ready to mediate between the Taliban and Pakistan if requested.