Russia has become the first nation to recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan since it took power in 2021, announcing on Thursday it has accepted an ambassador from the Islamist group.

Pakistan is adopting a cautious approach to officially recognising the Afghan Taliban government, prioritising its national interests. While Russia has taken the step to recognise the Taliban, Pakistan remains unhurried,

Afghanistan has remained largely isolated since the Taliban seized power nearly four years ago, despite subtle signs of increased cooperation with countries like China and India.