New Delhi, Oct 8: In a significant development ahead of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, India joined Russia, China, and Pakistan in opposing US efforts to regain control of Afghanistan’s Bagram airbase.
The decision emerged from the seventh Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, attended by senior officials from Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and guest delegation from Belarus. For the first time, Afghanistan’s delegation, led by Muttaqi, participated as a full member.
A joint statement, without naming Bagram explicitly, termed attempts by any country to deploy military infrastructure in Afghanistan or neighboring states as “unacceptable” and counterproductive to regional peace and stability.
Bagram, located 40 km north of Kabul, was the largest US airbase in Afghanistan and a hub for surveillance, counterterrorism, and regional operations. Trump has warned of “BAD THINGS” if the Taliban do not return the base, citing its strategic importance to counter China’s influence.
The development underscores India’s continued stance on ensuring Afghanistan remains free from foreign military domination while promoting regional security and stability. (Agencies)
