Outlet that alleged India funded Taliban drones has murky ownership history

The broadcaster was named in a 2024 The Sunday Guardian report on alleged misinformation targeting the Taliban, while UK corporate filings record historical Saudi and offshore control and a major financial restructuring.

Afghanistan International, a London-based Persianand Dari-language news broadcaster that is part of the Volant Media group, has come under renewed scrutiny over its ownership and financing after publishing a report alleging that India is financing the Taliban’s purchase of Belarusian drones.

The outlet, which covers Afghanistan and the wider region, was named more than two years earlier in a Sunday Guardian report on allegations of a misinformation campaign targeting the Taliban government.

The 30 September report by Afghanistan International alleged that the Taliban was purchasing weapons and drones from Belarus through India, with Russia’s consent. The report attributed the claims to five sources, including former Afghan security officials. The allegation has not been independently established through publicly available contracts, payment records or authenticated procurement documents.

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In July 2024, The Sunday Guardian published a report headlined “Misinformation campaigns targeting Taliban govt, alleges Kabul report”, naming Afghanistan International Television among several Afghan media organisations allegedly involved in a campaign against the Taliban administration.

The report attributed the allegations to findings by Kabul-based agencies, which claimed that a network of Afghan media outlets was receiving financial support from intelligence agencies and disseminating information intended to weaken the Taliban administration and destabilise Afghanistan. Other outlets named included Hasht-eSubh Daily, 8AM Media, Radio Azadi, Etilaatroz, Kabul Press and Amu News.