Overview

• Members of the Moscow Format issued a joint statement calling attempts to deploy military infrastructure in Afghanistan or nearby states unacceptable.
• India joined Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan and Central Asian countries in the declaration opposing any renewed foreign military presence.
• Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi reaffirmed that Afghanistan will not accept foreign troops, stressing the country’s independence.
• President Trump has urged the Taliban to return the Bagram airbase and warned of consequences, citing the base’s proximity to China.
• Regional participants paired their stance with calls to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, and analysts warned a U.S. return to Bagram would resemble a costly reinvasion requiring significant forces and air defenses.