Overview

• Afghanistan participated as a full member for the first time, with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi attending the Oct. 7 talks in Moscow.
• A joint communique from 10 participating countries called attempts to deploy military infrastructure in Afghanistan or neighbouring states unacceptable, a clear response to renewed US interest in Bagram air base.
• Participants prioritised strengthened counter‑terrorism cooperation and flagged threats from groups including TTP, BLA, ETIM, Jaish‑ul‑Adl, ISIL and Al‑Qaeda.
• The forum urged depoliticised humanitarian aid, backed deeper trade and regional connectivity with Afghan participation, and heard Russia call for the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets.
• Pakistan led a senior delegation and held preparatory bilaterals with Iran, China and Russia, while Muttaqi is set to visit India later this week for follow‑up engagement.