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Afghanistan and Russia have signed 15 economic cooperation MoUs worth $103 million, covering Afghan imports of wheat, medicines and cooking oil and exports of fresh fruits.
Afghanistan Signs 15 Trade Deals Worth $103 Million With Russia
Afghanistan has taken a significant step towards diversifying its trade partnerships, signing 15 economic cooperation memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth $103 million with Russia in a move that could challenge Pakistan’s position as a key trade partner for Kabul.
The agreements, as learnt by CNN-News18, cover the exchange of essential commodities between the two countries. Under the arrangements, Afghanistan will import medicines, wheat, flour and cooking oil from Russia, while Moscow will import fresh Afghan fruits, particularly pomegranates.
The 15 agreements were signed in the presence of Afghan Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk.
The development comes as Afghanistan explores alternative trade opportunities and seeks to strengthen economic partnerships beyond its existing trade channels.
AFGHANISTAN, RUSSIA LOOK TO EXPAND BILATERAL TRADE
Overchuk arrived in Kabul on Thursday, leading a Russian delegation for trade and investment discussions with Afghanistan’s Taliban government, The Associated Press (AP) reported.
The delegation comprised more than 70 business representatives from dozens of Russian companies, including firms already operating in Afghanistan and others looking to enter the market.
At A Glance
Afghanistan and Russia signed 15 economic cooperation MoUs worth $103 million.
Kabul will import medicines, wheat, flour and cooking oil from Moscow.
Russia will import fresh Afghan fruits, particularly pomegranates.
Overchuk met Afghan Prime Minister Mohammad Hasan Akhund and Baradar. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi also attended the meeting with Akhund, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office.
Russia’s Interfax news agency quoted Overchuk as saying Moscow intended to develop trade relations with Afghanistan.
“Today our delegation includes more than 70 businessmen representing dozens of Russian companies, many of which already work in Afghanistan, (while) many want to begin working,” Interfax quoted him as saying.
RUSSIA EYES INVESTMENT IN AFGHANISTAN
During the discussions, Baradar highlighted Afghanistan’s strategic location, natural resources and workforce of 24 million people of working age.
He invited Russian companies to invest in mineral extraction, factory development, infrastructure projects and special economic zones.
Baradar also called for greater access for Afghan products in Russian markets and cooperation to reduce transportation and transit costs. Opportunities in railway and road construction were also discussed.
Overchuk said Russian companies represented in the delegation were involved in transportation, logistics, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. He also highlighted Afghanistan’s interest in Russian fertilisers, including the possibility of setting up fertiliser production plants within the country.
RUSSIA-AFGHANISTAN TRADE MORE THAN DOUBLES
Trade between Russia and Afghanistan more than doubled in the first eight months of 2026, crossing $349 million, according to the Afghan government statement quoted by AP.
Russia formally recognised the Taliban government in July 2025, becoming the only country to do so since the group seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led troops.
Afghanistan has remained largely isolated internationally and has been seeking foreign investment and alternative trade avenues to support its struggling economy.
Although no other country has formally recognised the Taliban administration, it has held high-level discussions with several nations and established diplomatic and economic ties with countries including China and the United Arab Emirates.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Under the 15 economic cooperation agreements, Afghanistan will import essential commodities such as medicines, wheat, flour, and cooking oil from Russia. In return, Moscow will import fresh Afghan fruits, with a particular focus on pomegranates.
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Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18
November 13, 2026, 12:39 AM IST
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