In News:

Russia has become the first nation to officially recognize the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, formalizing diplomatic relations with the regime that took control in 2021.

Context and Significance:

• This development comes amid limited international recognition of the Taliban government, which took over Kabul in 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces.
• Russia’s move could reshape regional diplomacy in Central and South Asia, potentially influencing other neighboring powers like China, Iran, and the UAE, which has also shown warming ties.
• The decision also reflects Russia's strategic interests in counterterrorism cooperation, regional stability, and its broader geopolitical competition with the West.

Profile of Russia

Geographical Overview:

• Continent: Northern Eurasia, straddling both Eastern Europe and Northern Asia
• Area: Approximately 17 million square kilometers, making it the largest country in the world
• Time Zones: Spans across 11 time zones
• Capital City: Moscow

Neighbours and Boundaries:

• Land Borders: Shares land borders with 16 countries—more than any other nation:
  • In Europe: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland (via Kaliningrad), Belarus, Ukraine
  • In Asia: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, North Korea
• Maritime Borders:
  • United States (via the Bering Strait)
  • Japan (via the Sea of Okhotsk)

• Major Mountain Ranges:
  • Ural Mountains: Traditional boundary between Europe and Asia
  • Caucasus Mountains: Includes Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak
  • Altai, Sayan, and Kamchatka ranges in Siberia
• Key Rivers and Lakes:
  • Volga River: Longest river in Europe
  • Lena, Yenisei, and Ob Rivers: Flow through Siberia into the Arctic Ocean
  • Lake Baikal: World’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake
  • Lake Ladoga: Largest lake in Europe by area
• Climatic and Vegetation Zones:
  • Encompasses tundra, taiga (boreal forest), steppes, and semi-deserts
  • Permafrost regions in Siberia restrict infrastructure and habitation