India's Opposition to US Plan for Bagram Air Base

BAGRAM AIR BASE: INDIA JOINS MOSCOW FORMAT TO OPPOSE US PLAN

India has joined Russia, China, Pakistan, and the Taliban-led Afghanistan in opposing the US proposal to take over the Bagram Air Base — a strategic site north of Kabul that once symbolized America’s presence in the “war on terror.” The issue was raised at the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, highlighting shifting regional alignments and India’s preference for a multipolar approach to Afghan stability and sovereignty.

1. WHAT IS THE BAGRAM AIR BASE AND WHY IS IT STRATEGIC?

Bagram Air Base, located about 50 km north of Kabul, is Afghanistan’s largest military airfield. Built by the Soviets in the 1950s, it became the main hub for US and NATO operations after 2001. Its dual runways can handle large aircraft and heavy military cargo. Control of Bagram means control over Afghan airspace and rapid access to Central Asia, making it a key military prize.

2. WHAT IS THE MOSCOW FORMAT ON AFGHANISTAN?

The Moscow Format is a multilateral diplomatic initiative led by Russia since 2017 to discuss Afghanistan’s future, peace, and counter-terrorism cooperation. It includes Afghanistan’s neighbors and key regional powers — India, Iran, Pakistan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Its objective is to coordinate regional efforts for stability, ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism, and resist external (especially Western) military influence.

3. WHY DID INDIA OPPOSE THE US PLAN TO TAKE OVER BAGRAM?

India opposed the US plan primarily for regional security and strategic autonomy reasons:

• Regional stability: Deployment of foreign troops again could reignite conflict and extremism in the region.
• Sovereignty principle: India supports an “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned” peace process and opposes any external military presence.
• Balance of power: Supporting the Moscow Format allows India to retain engagement with Russia, China, and Central Asia without appearing aligned with any Western bloc.
• Security concern: A renewed US foothold could strengthen Pakistan’s leverage in Afghan affairs, which India wants to avoid.

4. WHAT IS THE US POSITION ON BAGRAM?

Former US President Donald Trump demanded that the Taliban hand over the base to Washington, claiming it was built by the US and should be returned. He argued that losing control over Bagram weakened American counter-terrorism capabilities and allowed rival powers — China and Russia — to fill the vacuum. The Taliban refused, calling it an issue of national sovereignty.

5. HOW DOES THIS ISSUE REFLECT LARGER GEOPOLITICAL RIVALRIES?

• US vs. Eurasian powers: Washington seeks to re-establish a security foothold near China, Iran, and Russia. The Moscow Format countries view this as a strategic intrusion.
• India’s diplomatic flexibility: Delhi’s participation shows it is asserting regional independence while maintaining dialogue with both the US and Russia.
• China and Russia’s influence: Both countries view Afghanistan as part of their broader Eurasian security zone, linked to the Belt and Road Initiative and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
• Taliban’s balancing act: The Taliban regime uses regional rivalries to gain recognition and aid, avoiding overdependence on any one country.

6. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA’S AFGHAN POLICY?

India has shifted from isolation to pragmatic engagement with the Taliban, focusing on humanitarian aid and counterterrorism dialogue. Participation in the Moscow Format allows India to influence Afghan developments through regional consensus rather than unilateral action.

It ensures that India remains part of security dialogues shaping Central Asia’s future — a zone critical for energy and connectivity projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port.

7. WHAT MESSAGE DOES THIS SEND TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY?

The joint opposition by India, Russia, China, and others reflects a growing sentiment against renewed Western military footprints in Asia. It signals a collective call for regional solutions to regional problems, emphasizing Afghan sovereignty, counter-terror cooperation, and non-interference.