The BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, commenced on Tuesday without the participation of the Taliban, despite their request to attend. The summit runs from October 22 to 24.
Economic experts suggest that BRICS members were reluctant to invite the Taliban in order to avoid escalating tensions with Western nations, including the United States. Many BRICS countries have strained relations with the U.S. and its allies but did not want to exacerbate those tensions by formally engaging with the Taliban.
The Taliban, who have not been officially recognized by any country since regaining power over three years ago, face international sanctions. They had hoped to join BRICS in a bid to circumvent these sanctions and gain political leverage. Earlier this year, the Taliban sent a formal request to Russia asking for permission to attend the 16th BRICS summit. Russia deferred the decision to the member states, which ultimately declined to invite the group.
Experts say several BRICS nations, particularly those with close ties to the U.S., were cautious about inviting the Taliban, fearing it could strain their diplomatic relationships. BRICS members include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, along with Iran, the UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
Political analysts note that the BRICS countries are wary of violating international laws and UN conventions by extending legitimacy to the Taliban, who have been accused of disregarding global norms, particularly those related to women’s rights and human rights.
Women’s rights activists welcomed the decision to exclude the Taliban and urged BRICS nations to sever ties with the group entirely.
Taliban have not yet commented on their exclusion from the summit. The BRICS organization was established in 2009 at Russia’s initiative.
