Russia’s deputy prime minister has announced that trade between Russia and Afghanistan increased approximately 2.6 times during the first two months of 2026.
Alexey Overchuk made the remarks during a meeting with Taliban Higher Education Minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem at the Russia–Islamic World Forum.
According to Overchuk, trade volume between the two countries has reached around $500 million.
He said bilateral trade still has significant room for growth and described current figures as “relatively modest.”
Overchuk noted that Russian statistics place bilateral trade in 2025 at approximately $326 million, while Afghan figures estimate it closer to $500 million.
The Russian deputy prime minister added that during January and February 2026, Russian exports to Afghanistan increased by 2.7 times, while imports from Afghanistan rose by 1.9 times.
He also stated that many Afghans still remember Soviet-era exports to Afghanistan, including Soviet trucks and vehicles, and are interested in seeing such exports resume.
According to Overchuk, both sides discussed agricultural exports, sanitary controls on agricultural products, bilateral agreements, Russian energy exports, and investment cooperation.
Analysts say the growing economic interaction between Russia and the Taliban indicates Moscow’s broader effort to expand both economic and political influence in Afghanistan.
Experts believe the trend could push economic relations between Kabul and Moscow into a new phase, especially as the Taliban seek alternative regional trade routes and investment partnerships.
Observers also note that while Russia has not formally recognized the Taliban government, expanding trade and economic cooperation reflects a gradual normalization of practical relations between the two sides.
