A senior Taliban minister has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s repeated demands for America to regain control of Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base. Muhajir Farahi, the Taliban’s Minister for Information and Culture, told India Today that Trump would obtain the facility only in his dreams.
Bagram Air Base, built by the Soviets north of Kabul, served as the main hub for US-led forces after the 2001 attacks. The base was taken by the Taliban in August 2021 following the withdrawal of American troops and the group’s return to power.
Trump has argued that the United States should have kept the strategically located base near China. He stated last year that efforts were underway to recover it.
Farahi also warned Pakistan that Afghanistan would defend its sovereignty against any aggression. His comments follow recent Pakistani airstrikes along the border. Kabul reported 38 civilian deaths and 163 injuries, while Pakistan said the strikes targeted militants and killed 29 fighters.
On ties with India, Farahi said Afghanistan’s foreign policy follows national interests alone. He highlighted historic links and called for stronger trade and people-to-people contacts. India has upgraded its mission in Kabul and continued humanitarian aid.
The Taliban is expanding trade routes through Central Asia, Iran, India and China to reduce dependence on Pakistan. Farahi also announced plans for a war museum in Kabul to display items from decades of conflict, including the Taliban’s 2021 takeover.
