The Bagram Air Base has always mirrored the tides of global power. Once the Soviet Union’s military hub, later the nerve centre of America’s war on terror. It now re-emerges as the stage for a new kind of contest — quiet, diplomatic, and deeply regional.
As a former artillery officer, I have seen how geography and strategy intertwine to shape policy. My earlier analyses on China’s mega dam projects and the Pahalgam conflict underscored one truth — in South Asia, power seldom shifts with armies alone; it evolves through alliances, supply routes, and shared vulnerabilities.
In 2025, as former U.S. President Donald Trump demands the return of Bagram, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi lands in New Delhi, marking a rare moment of diplomatic convergence and tension.
India’s evolving Afghanistan strategy is now defined by pragmatic engagement — balancing security, connectivity, and regional autonomy in a volatile neighbourhood.
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Bagram Airfield – A Chronicle of Power and Transition
Located about 60 kilometres north of Kabul in Afghanistan’s Parwan Province (latitude 34.946° N, longitude 69.264° E), Bagram Air Base has evolved from a Soviet-era construction into the largest American military hub. Today, it stands as a symbol of Taliban-era sovereignty and regional diplomacy.
Its seven-decade journey mirrors Afghanistan’s own turbulent history. It continues to influence both regional security calculations and the evolving diplomatic competition around the bagram air field.
Who controls Bagram Air Base now?
As of 2025, Bagram Air Base is under the full control of Afghanistan’s Taliban government. The facility, once used by Soviet and U.S. forces, now functions under Afghan administration, symbolising regional sovereignty and resistance to renewed foreign military presence.
Timeline of Control and Transformation (1950s–2025)
Bagram’s history captures the global and regional shifts that defined modern Afghanistan. Each decade brought new occupants, new ambitions, and new consequences—turning the airfield into a chronicle of power, resistance, and adaptation.
1950s–1970s: Soviet build and Cold War signaling
- Constructed with Soviet engineering aid in the 1950s to project influence across Central Asia.
- 1959 visit by US President Dwight Eisenhower marked the start of US–Soviet rivalry in Afghan skies.
- 1976 runway extension to roughly 3,000 metres turned the bagram air field into a jet-ready Cold War outpost.
1979–1989: Nerve centre of the Soviet war
- Served as the headquarters for Soviet air and logistics operations.
- Daily sorties launched from Bagram supported ground offensives during the Afghan War.
- The 1989 Soviet withdrawal left extensive military infrastructure and a power vacuum.
1990s: Civil war and fractured control
- Taliban and Northern Alliance forces fought for dominance over the base.
- Repeated shelling destroyed hangars and runways.
- Control of Bagram became synonymous with control of Kabul’s airspace.
2001–2021: American fortress and counter terror hub
- Transformed after 9/11 into the largest US and NATO installation abroad.
- Housed thousands of personnel, drones, and bombers for counterterror missions.
- Contained the Parwan detention facility, criticised for rights violations.
- The unannounced July 2021 exit of US forces ended two decades of occupation.
2021–2025: Taliban control and regional Re calibration
- Taliban secured full control following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
- Former US President Donald Trump’s 2025 demand to reclaim the base reignited debate.
- India, Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iran jointly opposed any new foreign deployment.
- The map of bagram air base now symbolises shifting South Asian geopolitics and India Afghanistan relations.
As a politico-defence analyst, I believe Bagram Air Base remains a precise indicator of power in Afghanistan. Each transfer of control reveals the ebb of foreign dominance and the steady rise of regional assertion that now shapes India’s cautious yet strategic engagement with Kabul.
How Bagram Defined America’s War Strategy (2001–2021)
During my years as an artillery officer, our regular training cycles at Deolali reinforced one lesson above all—precision logistics and sustained firepower win battles, not just tactical manoeuvres. Under United States control, Bagram Air Base became the core of America’s counter terrorism campaign. It housed troops, drones, and intelligence networks that defined two decades of war. Its fall after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan ended an era of forward deployment. This reinforces my belief how modern warfare still depends on the same fundamentals we practiced on the gunlines: supply, timing, and coordination.
Between 2001 and 2021, Bagram Air Base evolved from a remote airfield into a global military nerve centre. It served as the anchor of America’s combat and intelligence network in Afghanistan. The airfield came to symbolise the United States’ approach to counterterrorism and regional power projection.
Air Operations and Logistics
The airfield’s infrastructure enabled continuous combat support and supply movement across Afghanistan. It connected allied forces, aircraft, and ground units through an integrated network that sustained daily operations for two decades.
- Operated fighters, bombers, drones, and medical evacuations
- Hosted over 40,000 coalition troops at its peak
- Managed cargo, fuel, and maintenance facilities for uninterrupted sorties
- Served as NATO’s central command for theatre coordination
During my field postings along India’s northern sector, I observed how air mobility and logistics determine not just the outcome of wars but their duration. Bagram’s capacity to move men and machines mirrored what every professional soldier knows—supply defines success.
Intelligence and Detention Network
Beyond airpower, Bagram became a centre for intelligence and detention. The Parwan facility and its surveillance systems transformed the base into a hub for counterterrorism cooperation.
- Detained high-value suspects under strict security
- Integrated satellite and signal intelligence for regional monitoring
- Shared live intelligence feeds with allied forces for coordinated strikes
- Attracted global criticism for secrecy and human-rights violations
The combination of detention and intelligence made Bagram vital to US security architecture but also exposed the limits of militarised intelligence gathering.
Symbolism and Withdrawal
By the war’s later years, Bagram had become both a symbol of persistence and a reminder of fatigue. Its unannounced evacuation in July 2021 marked the end of America’s longest conflict.
- Overnight withdrawal left Afghan troops unprepared
- Created operational and psychological vacuums across the region
- Damaged confidence among US partners and Afghan allies
- Signified the decline of America’s boots-and-bases doctrine in Asia
Bagram’s silent fall represented more than a military exit. It was the end of a strategic era in which the United States sought stability through occupation rather than partnership.
We want that base back. One of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons – Donald Trump, US President
President Trump’s remark reignited debates about Bagram’s geopolitical value. It exposes how the airfield remains central to the world’s contest for influence. Yet, as America looks back, Asia looks ahead. India’s re-engagement with Kabul marks the next phase of regional realignment and diplomacy.
What does the Taliban minister’s visit mean for India?
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit reshaped South Asia’s diplomatic geometry. The Foreign Minister’s visit marks a pragmatic shift. New Delhi’s engagement focuses on humanitarian aid, healthcare, and regional security coordination, aiming to protect its interests while cautiously redefining ties with Kabul.
We have good relations with the people of Pakistan and the government but some elements in that country are trying to create problems.- Amir Khan Muttaqi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.
The joint talks represented India’s first official dialogue with the Taliban regime and reflected the country’s evolving regional security and development strategy.
Key Outcomes
- India upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, restoring its diplomatic presence after four years.
- Both countries agreed to cooperate in healthcare, mining, infrastructure, and humanitarian projects.
- India pledged twenty ambulances, new oncology and trauma centres, and several maternity clinics across provinces.
- The Taliban assured that Afghan soil would not be used for anti-India activities or cross-border terrorism.
- Both sides reaffirmed commitment to sovereignty, independence, and mutual respect in future engagements.
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan. Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development, as well as regional stability and resilience.” —Mr S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister,
Jaishankar’s words on 10th Oct, 2025, echo the spirit of professional military cooperation—dialogue built on respect and shared purpose. This principle extends beyond diplomacy, mirrored in the exchange programs.
Most artillery officers often undergo foreign exchange training as part of military cooperation programs, specialized courses, and joint exercises. Such programs strengthen alliances, share tactical knowledge, and expose officers to evolving defence technologies. My own experience in these exchanges showed how sustained dialogue—even with differing systems—builds mutual respect and operational understanding.
India’s outreach to the Taliban mirrors that approach in diplomacy: consistent engagement over isolation. These outcomes signified a turning point in India Afghanistan relations. For New Delhi, the decision was less about recognition and more about relevance—maintaining influence in a rapidly shifting power landscape.
Security Assurances and Counter Terrorism Dialogue
- India and Afghanistan jointly underlined the need to combat terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations.”
- Officials discussed a framework for intelligence cooperation and border security coordination.
- The Taliban publicly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, a symbolic gesture of goodwill toward India.
This renewed communication reflects security cooperation rooted in pragmatism rather than trust. India’s cautious engagement balances immediate security needs with long-term regional stability, keeping its distance from formal recognition while ensuring channels of influence remain open.
Expert Insight: India’s diplomatic outreach to the Taliban blends humanitarian assistance with strategic insurance—an engage but don’t endorse approach. It signals a new phase of pragmatic diplomacy, balancing security imperatives, regional stability, and India’s enduring role as a responsible regional actor.
Pakistan and China in South Asia’s New Power Shift
As India re-engages with Kabul, one question dominates strategic circles: how are regional powers responding to New Delhi’s new Afghanistan strategy? The evolving dialogue captures South Asia’s shifting balance, highlighting India’s expanding influence and China’s careful effort to preserve regional stability.
Pakistan’s Reaction
Pakistan viewed India’s outreach to the Taliban as a direct challenge to its long-standing influence in Kabul.
New Delhi had ‘incited’ the Afghan Taliban – Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Prime Minister
Pakistan’s frustration was visible in both rhetoric and action.
- Pakistani officials criticised India’s decision to upgrade its embassy.
- Airstrikes near Kabul were seen as symbolic strategic signalling.
- The growing TTP insurgency strained the Taliban–Pakistan relationship.
- Public statements in Islamabad labelled Afghanistan an “enemy state.”
For Pakistan, the shift was disorienting. Where it once controlled narrative and access, India’s renewed presence now eroded Islamabad’s monopoly over Afghan affairs. The Taliban’s reluctance to curb TTP operations further deepened mistrust.
China’s Balancing Act
China’s reaction was measured, reflecting its dual priorities of economic expansion and regional calm.
- Beijing monitored India–Taliban engagement with quiet caution, wary of strategic encirclement.
- Continued efforts to extend the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
- Avoided open criticism of India, instead promoting stability through trilateral forums.
From my years in uniform, I learned that strategy is rarely loud. China’s conduct here reflects that silence—watchful, calculated, and built on long timelines. In military planning, patience can sometimes be the most decisive weapon.
Russia and Iran’s Regional Role
- Both supported diplomatic engagement and opposed foreign military basing.
- Moscow’s recognition of the Taliban signalled new alignments.
- Iran’s participation in the Moscow Format added weight to regional autonomy.
Takeaway: India is leveraging emerging rifts to assert soft power where Pakistan once wielded coercive influence. In this recalibrated order, Afghanistan has become less a proxy battleground and more a diplomatic stage for competing visions of South Asian stability.
India and Regional Powers at the Moscow Format 2025
The October 2025 Moscow Format summit produced an unexpected alignment among competing powers. Despite differences elsewhere, all participants agreed on one critical point: Afghanistan’s stability must remain in regional hands, free from renewed American military presence or external political dominance.
Regional Declaration and Shared Position
The Moscow consultations issued a joint declaration opposing any U.S. redeployment to the Bagram Air Base. The statement, though diplomatic in tone, sent a clear geopolitical signal—Asia intends to manage its own security narrative.
- India, Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iran reaffirmed Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
- Trump’s public calls for retaking Bagram drew collective rejection.
- Regional governments warned that another Western presence could destabilise fragile borders.
- The declaration supported Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity.
This convergence illustrated how adversaries could momentarily set aside rivalries when faced with the prospect of renewed U.S. militarisation in the region.
India’s Strategic Role
For India, the consensus served two goals. It positioned New Delhi as a credible stakeholder in multilateral security dialogue and reinforced its belief that sustainable peace in Afghanistan depends on regional cooperation rather than foreign occupation. India’s support also aligned with its long-held policy of strategic autonomy—engaging all sides without falling into military alliances.
Regional Implications
The Moscow Format strengthened the Taliban’s diplomatic legitimacy by drawing them into a multilateral framework. It simultaneously undercut Washington’s narrative that Afghanistan remained unstable without American oversight. The unity displayed in Moscow reflected a maturing Asian order, where local powers assert control over regional security architecture.
Bagram, once a fortress of foreign occupation. It now stands as a symbol of collective assertion—Asia’s quiet refusal to let outsiders dictate its strategic future.
What India Stands to Gain – Security, Connectivity and Influence
India’s renewed engagement with Afghanistan is driven by pragmatic interests rather than political symbolism. For New Delhi, the relationship is about securing corridors of stability and ensuring that Afghanistan remains a bridge—not a barrier—to Central Asia.
Why is Bagram Air Base important for India today?
Bagram matters to India as a strategic indicator of regional control and access. Stability around Bagram supports India’s goals and shaping post-conflict Afghanistan’s future.
- Counter-Terror Cooperation: Strengthened counter-terror collaboration and new intelligence-sharing channels help India safeguard its borders and prevent extremist spillover from Afghan territory.
- Air Freight Corridor: The India–Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor, first launched in 2017 and now revived, enables direct trade in perishables, pharmaceuticals, and textiles without relying on Pakistani routes.
- Chabahar Connectivity: Continued development of the Chabahar Port in Iran gives India strategic access to Afghanistan and onward trade links to Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan entirely.
- Development Diplomacy: Hospitals, scholarships, and humanitarian initiatives enhance India’s reputation as a reliable partner committed to people-centred growth.
- Strategic Counterbalance: Investment and reconstruction projects allow India to offset China’s expanding footprint through the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
These combined efforts show how India’s Kabul strategy extends far beyond aid—it aligns trade, infrastructure, and security goals to reinforce regional stability. The integration of air and maritime routes strengthens India’s ability to project influence through connectivity and cooperation.
By engaging Kabul pragmatically, India anchors its long-term objectives of stability, access, and counterbalance, positioning itself as a decisive regional actor shaping South Asia’s next chapter.
Risks, Opportunities and the Road Ahead
India’s renewed engagement with Afghanistan carries calculated risks but also signals growing confidence in regional leadership. The challenge lies in balancing security priorities with diplomacy, while navigating shifting perceptions in both the West and neighbouring Asian capitals.
- Security Risks: Terror spillover, the unpredictability of the Taliban’s internal factions, and criticism from Western partners remain persistent concerns.
- Strategic Opportunities: An influence vacuum in Kabul allows India to build regional coordination through humanitarian aid, development projects, and strategic presence, enhancing its role as a stabilising power.
- Regional Vision: The emerging concept of “Asian Security Autonomy” encourages regional solutions for regional challenges—reducing dependence on external powers while strengthening intra-Asian partnerships.
“If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!” — Donald Trump, U.S. President
Trump’s outburst only reinforced the unity seen in Moscow. For once, Asia spoke in one voice. New Delhi’s quiet rejection of a U.S. Bagram return highlights its growing strategic autonomy. India is choosing partnership without alignment, influence without dominance, and engagement rooted in long-term regional stability.
Also Read:
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FAQs: Bagram Air Base
What makes Bagram Air Base strategically important beyond Afghanistan?
Bagram’s proximity to Central Asia, China, and Iran gives it unmatched strategic value. It acts as a logistical and intelligence node that influences regional power projection, trade routes, and future security architecture in South and Central Asia.
How does India’s engagement with Afghanistan differ from the West’s approach?
Unlike Western powers that focused on military intervention, India relies on economic aid, infrastructure, and education. This people-centric diplomacy strengthens goodwill, ensuring India remains a trusted partner without imposing political or military conditions on Kabul.
Could Bagram Air Base host joint regional operations in the future?
Regional discussions hint at Bagram becoming a coordination hub for humanitarian and counterterror missions. While the Taliban insists on sovereignty, cooperative frameworks under Asian-led dialogue may gradually turn Bagram into a shared security and relief logistics point.
Conclusion
Bagram Air Base has transformed from a battlefield of foreign powers into a bargaining table for regional diplomacy. Once a Cold War outpost and later the epicentre of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, it now shapes India Afghanistan relations and wider South Asian geopolitics.
India’s pragmatic Afghanistan policy reflects regional maturity—balancing connectivity, counterterrorism cooperation, and economic engagement without dependence on alliances. Drawing from my experience as an artillery officer trained at Deolali and my exposure to international exchange programs, I have learned that strategy, like leadership, thrives on adaptability and dialogue.
Power in South Asia no longer comes from the bases we hold, but from the bridges we build.
About Col Vijay Kutti (Retd.)
The author, Col Vijay Kutti (Retd.), is a seasoned defence analyst and former Artillery officer trained at the School of Artillery, Deolali. With field and exchange experience across multiple command environments. Col Kutti regularly writes on South Asian geopolitics, regional security, and India’s evolving strategic diplomacy for TrendVisionz Editorial.
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3 comments
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
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