The issue of Uzbekistan’s interaction with the Taliban in the context of the transfer of US helicopters to the Afghan people remains a matter of diplomatic calculations. As Dr Islomkhon Gafarov, senior research fellow at the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies, noted in an interview with Paradigma.uz, Tashkent's position on this issue is formed on the basis of international law, national interests and strategic partnership with key powers. Uzbekistan maintains a pragmatic approach focused on maintaining stability in the region and preventing escalation of tensions. The return of US helicopters was part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening dialogue with Washington, as well as preventing the use of this equipment in unpredictable scenarios.

 

Dr Gafarov stressed that the Taliban’s demands for the transfer of helicopters back to Afghanistan are unlikely to be met, as they contradict the logic of the agreements between Tashkent and Washington. However, this does not mean that Uzbekistan completely ignores the Taliban’s position. Bilateral contacts continue in the economic and humanitarian spheres, especially in trade, electricity supplies and food security. At the same time, Uzbekistan remains in dialogue with international partners, including the United States, to develop the most balanced policy towards Afghanistan without creating precedents that could affect its own security and international reputation.

 

* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.