What happened?
On January 14, 2025, Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov called for the inclusion of India in the Quad grouping on Afghanistan, which currently has China, Pakistan, Iran and Russia as members. This four-country Quad group is focused towards stabilising and aiding Afghanistan.
Why it matters to India
The last time, the Afghan Quad countries met at the foreign ministers’ level back in November 2024 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The Russian foreign minister’s comments are significant at a time when India has increased its engagement with the Taliban government in Kabul. On January 8, 2025, Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi met in Dubai and discussed Chabahar port and Indian humanitarian assistance, among other issues.