Taliban Seeks Membership in BRICS Economic Forum

The Taliban government of Afghanistan has expressed a desire to join the BRICS economic forum, seeking an invitation to the upcoming summit in Kazan, Russia from October 22-24. Deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat emphasized the Taliban's existing economic ties with BRICS nations, particularly China and Russia, and their interest in expanding relations. Despite not being formally recognized by any country, the Taliban has cultivated relations with these major powers, which have shown willingness to invest in Afghanistan and collaborate against the Islamic State Khorasan. The BRICS forum has recently expanded to include new members such as Iran and the UAE, but has not publicly responded to the Taliban's request. The situation raises questions about the implications of Taliban inclusion for the bloc's image as a counterbalance to U.S. influence. The Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated there is currently no information on an invitation to the summit.