Uzbekistan President Calls for Taliban Involvement in Amu Darya Water Management

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of active Afghan participation in regional discussions on the shared use of Amu Darya basin water resources during the Central Asian leaders' summit. The seventh consultative meeting of Central Asian heads of state took place on Saturday and Sunday in Tashkent, with leaders from six countries in attendance. Participants discussed strengthening regional cooperation and implementing joint projects in various sectors.

Mirziyoyev stated that, given Afghanistan's impact on the security and development of the entire region, integrating the country into regional infrastructure, energy, and transport projects is essential. He stressed the need for active Afghan involvement in regional dialogues on the shared use of Amu Darya basin resources. The summit addressed water scarcity and proposed practical actions for water use in Central Asia over the next 10 years.

Mirziyoyev's call for Taliban participation in regional water management discussions on the Amu River comes as the Taliban is constructing the second phase of the Qosh Tepa Canal. The Qosh Tepa Canal diverts a portion of Amu Darya water to agricultural lands in Afghanistan. The Amu River is one of Uzbekistan's main water sources. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are concerned that if Afghanistan takes a larger share without regional cooperation, these countries will face water shortages.

In September 2023, Uzbekistan's president warned that the Taliban's construction of the Qosh Tepa water transfer canal could fundamentally alter the water regime and balance in Central Asia. Mirziyoyev said that a new consumer has emerged that "has no commitments to our countries." At that time, he proposed forming a joint group to address the issue of the Qosh Tepa canal. He emphasized: "I consider it essential to form a joint group to examine all aspects of the construction of the Qosh Tepa canal and its impact on the Amu Darya water regime."

Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's deputy prime minister for economic affairs, responded by saying, "We will never endanger the interests of the Uzbek people regarding water."

The Qosh Tepa Canal has the capacity to transfer 10 billion cubic meters of water from the Amu River. The canal is 285 kilometers long, 152 meters wide, and 8.5 to 12.5 meters deep. Feasibility studies for the Qosh Tepa Canal began during Ashraf Ghani's presidency in 2018.

The summit highlighted the Trans-Afghan railway as a priority project to enhance international transport connectivity. Mirziyoyev also called for serious measures to ensure regional security and stability and to counter threats from terrorism and transnational crime. He stated: "In the complex and unpredictable global political conditions, strengthening unity and mutual support among regional countries is of special importance."

Despite Uzbekistan's close relations with the Taliban administration, Central Asian countries remain concerned about security threats originating from Afghan soil, including those from ISIS and active radical groups. Before the consultative meeting, Mirziyoyev said that peace and stability in the region largely depend on the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan. In addition to Central Asian leaders, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev also attended the summit.