Media: Russia risks conflict of interests in Afghanistan, Pakistan

Russia is simultaneously strengthening ties with Afghanistan and seeking to involve Pakistan in the development of trade routes, creating a potential conflict of interest for Moscow, Kierunek Kaukaz reports.

Polish outlet said Moscow views Pakistan as an alternative route for developing the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which is intended to connect Russia with South Asia.

Russia is moving closer to the Taliban, seeking to use cooperation to combat ISIS and maintain its influence in Central Asia.

Kierunek Kaukaz also suggests that Moscow may be considering arms supplies to the Afghan authorities to help combat terrorist groups.

According to the authors, such a move could seriously strain relations with Islamabad and jeopardise Russia’s plans to develop the North-South Corridor.

“If Moscow really arms the Afghan government, it will once again be playing with dynamite,” the author noted.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov