What happened?
On 20 October, Russia hosted the "Moscow format" talks with delegates from ten countries and the Taliban. The joint statement formalized the position and demands of the member countries to the Taliban. 

In order to obtain recognition, the Taliban is expected to create a state management system and form "a truly inclusive government that adequately reflects the interests of all major ethnopolitical forces in the country," as a prerequisite to completing the national reconciliation process in Afghanistan, said the joint statement. 
To address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the statement proposed that the Taliban adopt a moderate and wise internal and foreign policy that would help "achieve the shared goals of durable peace, security, safety and long-term prosperity and respect the rights of ethnic groups, women and children. Last week, Vladimir Putin noted that there has been no rush to officially recognize the Taliban but there was a need to engage in talks with them. 

What is the background? 
First, the history of the Moscow format. Russia has established the Moscow Format talks since 2017 to address the issues related to Afghanistan. This is the third meeting and the first one since the Taliban takeover in August 2021. The talks are significant because it aims to consolidate the international community's efforts in preventing a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Importantly, it includes representatives of China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the former Soviet nations of Central Asia, along with representatives of the Taliban and other Afghan factions. All participants of the Moscow format are close to the region and have substantial stakes in the crisis in Afghanistan. 

Second, the Russian interests in Afghanistan. Moscow has been engaging with the Taliban during the recent period.  Despite being on Russia's list of banned groups, representatives of the Taliban have visited Russia for talks regularly since 2018. The Russian approach can be seen in two aspects; one, they are embracing closer ties with the Taliban after the US withdrawal, and to ensure stability in the surrounding Central Asia. Russia would want to avoid getting its military involved in any way. Unlike many countries, Russia has not evacuated its embassy from Kabul, and the Russian Ambassador is known to have maintained regular contacts with the Taliban since they took over Kabul. 

Third, the participants of the Moscow format. The following took part in the summit: Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Iran, Pakistan, China, Turkmenistan, India, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. They called on the Taliban to pursue a moderate and wise internal and foreign policy, be friendly to the neighboring states, and achieve the shared goals of "durable peace, security, safety, long term prosperity, and respect the rights of ethnic groups, women, and children. 

Fourth, the Taliban's interest in the Moscow format. The Taliban used this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to preventing the use of Afghanistan territory against its neighbors and other states. One of the primary interests was to receive official recognition. 

What does it mean? 
The Moscow format is one of the many attempts at balancing power with the new realities in Afghanistan. It is significant because of the presence of Russia, China, and Pakistan along with the Taliban, in the absence of the US. There has been a softer approach in the rhetoric from the Russian side; for example, the state news agency, which is mandated to use certain terms, was seen replacing the word 'terrorist' with 'radical' in their reports of the Taliban. Though a joint statement was released, there is no sign of officially recognizing the Taliban government until they observe promising actions from their side. The timely role taken by Russia, by organizing the Moscow format summit, and also making a statement by skipping participation in the G20 attempt of the same, indicates a difference in approach to the issue at hand.