Putin Set to Visit Tajikistan for Talks on Afghanistan and Regional Security

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Tajikistan on October 9 for talks with President Emomali Rahmon, with discussions centered on Afghanistan's security, counterterrorism efforts, and regional stability, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan Semyon Grigoryev said the issue of Afghanistan remains a top priority for both Moscow and Dushanbe, given the shared concerns about growing extremist threats along the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.

He noted that Russia and Tajikistan are deepening coordination on Afghanistan affairs through both bilateral channels and multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Grigoryev added that security agencies from both countries maintain “close and constant contact” on counterterrorism cooperation.

The ambassador also revealed that the two defense ministries are discussing measures to upgrade Tajikistan’s armed forces and enhance the capabilities of Russia’s 201st Military Base in the country, Moscow’s largest military facility outside its borders.

According to Grigoryev, the 201st base remains a crucial pillar of stability and part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization’s (CSTO) defense infrastructure, playing a vital role in securing Central Asia’s southern frontier.

Following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Russia increased military drills at the base and supplied modern equipment to counter potential cross-border threats.

Earlier, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu warned that more than 23,000 militants linked to international terrorist groups are active inside Afghanistan under Taliban rule, describing it as a “serious regional and global security risk.”

Putin’s visit is expected to reaffirm Russia’s commitment to regional defense cooperation and to strengthen its long-standing influence in Central Asia amid the evolving security landscape around Afghanistan.