India has taken over an unexpected front in a new controversy between the US and the Taliban over the Bagram airbase of Afghanistan. Let us tell you that in the seventh meeting of “Moscow Format Consultation on Afghanistan” hosting Russia, India along with Taliban, Pakistan, China and Russia has opposed the demand of US President Donald Trump, in which he had asked for Bagram Airbase back to America from Afghanistan.
The joint statement released after the meeting states that “the participants described the efforts of the countries which want to deploy their military structure in Afghanistan or its neighboring countries, as it is not compatible with regional peace and stability.” The meeting included representatives from Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, while Belarus was present as a special invitee guest. For the first time, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mottaki participated in this meeting as a member.
Let us remind you that Trump had said in a joint press conference with the Prime Minister Care Stmper of Britain last month – “We want to withdraw the Bagram base. We gave him (Taliban) for free, now we need it back.” He later wrote on his social media site that if Afghanistan did not return the Bagram base to America, then there would be “bad results”. The Taliban had simply turned down this demand. His spokesperson Zabhulla Mujahid had said, “Afghan will never hand over his land to anyone.”
If seen, it is also noteworthy of India’s assurance on this issue with the Taliban because Mottaki is going to visit India this week. Let us tell you that this will be the first time to visit a Taliban Foreign Minister to India.
If seen, this step of India appears to be shocking at first glance. Standing with the Taliban rule that India never gave a formal recognition, opposing the US military initiative indicates a new diplomatic direction.
Indeed, Bagram Airbase is not just an airport; It is a symbol of Asian power-balance. After 2001, the US made it the main center of “War on Terror”. After the return of US from Afghanistan, the hideout is now under the control of the Taliban. Trump’s demand was an attempt to take this geopolitical center again in its possession, which regional countries saw direct intervention.
On the other hand, India’s attitude can be understood at two levels. The first is the priority of regional stability. In fact, India does not want Afghanistan to become a foreign military base. Apart from this, India also wants to practice strategic balance. If seen, it has become necessary for India to maintain harmony with Russia, Iran and Central Asia. By joining the Moscow Format, India is giving a message that American military rejuvenation in Asia will not be acceptable.
Let us also tell you that in a joint statement, the “end of terrorism” and “not threatening the security of neighboring countries” is clearly a sign related to India’s security concerns. India has been constantly cautious over the possibilities of Pakistan-inspired terrorism from Afghan earth. India’s participation also shows that it wants to revive economic and human association with Afghanistan. The statement talks about cooperation in agriculture, health, poverty alleviation and disaster management, which convey the message of India’s development -oriented policy to the Afghan people.
However, this policy also has a delicate side. The Taliban rule is still far from international standards in terms of women’s rights, education and safety of minorities. India’s dialogue may be due to practical reasons, but it should not be seen as diplomatic recognition. India will have to maintain the balance of human sensibilities and strategic interests in its stand.
It can be said that the Bagram dispute has given rise to a new geopolitical equation in South and Central Asia, where India’s standing together with the Russia-China-Taliban axis against the US shows that New Delhi is now looking for an independent regional role beyond “Western pressure” in its foreign policy. In the coming days, Mottaki’s visit to India will further test whether this dialogue will go towards practical cooperation, or will only be a diplomatic formality? But one thing is clear that the future of peace in Afghanistan will no longer depend on the strategies of Western forces, but on the united understanding of Asia.