The article is devoted to the consideration of issues related to the implementation in the XVIII century. Russia's foreign policy in the south-east direction and the role of the Astrakhan governors in this process. The focus is on the diplomatic and military-political aspects of governors in Astrakhan. Decrees of the Senate, the Collegium of Foreign Affairs, nominal imperial decrees addressed to the Astrakhan governors on various aspects of foreign policy are analyzed. The steps taken by the Astrakhan provincial authorities to interact with foreign diplomats, Russian consuls and residents in Persia, the rulers of neighboring countries and peoples are considered. Particular attention is paid to the role of the Astrakhan governors in coordinating the intelligence activities of Russian agents abroad, implementing measures aimed at countering Russia's external threats, supporting the Russian government's military plans in the South Caucasus, and facilitating the spread of Russian influence in the North Caucasus. The conclusion is substantiated that in the XVIII century the Astrakhan authorities were active agents of Russian foreign policy in relations with states and peoples in the North Caucasus, the Transcaucasus and Central Asia.
