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Bagram Air Base: A Cornerstone of U.S. Strategic Interests in Afghanistan By [@raghubir] Introduction Bagram Air Base, located about 30 km north of Kabul, has long been the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan. From its construction in the 1970s to its pivotal role in two major U.S. conflicts, the base has served as a hub for air operations, logistics, and intelligence. Understanding why Bagram mattered to America requires looking at its geographic advantage, its operational functions, and the broader geopolitical context. Strategic Location ● Geopolitical Anchor : Situated in the heart of South‑Central Asia, Bagram gave the United States a foothold close to the volatile regions of the Middle East and Central Asia. ● Air‑Space Dominance : The base’s long runway (over 3,500 m) allowed heavy cargo aircraft—C‑17s, C‑130s, and strategic bombers—to operate with minimal refueling stops, facilitating rapid deployment of troops and equipment. ● Proximity to Threat Zones: Its locat...

🇮🇳🤝🇷🇺 India–Russia Relations: Critical Impact on Europe  1. Energy and Sanctions Dynamics   a. India as a major buyer of Russian oil undermines European sanctions  * Since the Ukraine war, Europe drastically reduced Russian oil and gas imports.  * India simultaneously increased purchases of discounted Russian crude, refining it and selling products (diesel, jet fuel) on global markets—including indirectly into Europe.  Impact on Europe:  ● Weakens the intended pressure of EU sanctions. ● Provides Russia with revenue streams that help sustain its economy and war machinery.  ● Creates competitive pressure on European refiners.  b. Diversification versus dependency  ● Europe’s pivot away from Russian energy increases its reliance on Middle Eastern and US energy.  ● India’s stronger energy partnership with Russia makes Europe’s energy diplomacy more complex.  2. Geopolitical Balance of Power a. India’s strategic autonomy dilutes W...

Putin’s India visit  📆 Context — What is the visit Putin is doing a two-day state visit to India, on 4–5 December 2025 — for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. The visit was confirmed by both the Russian side (Kremlin) and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. This marks Putin’s first visit to India since 2021. ✅ What media reports say about agenda & outcomes / themes • Broadening Cooperation: Trade, Economy, Energy, Industry Reports say India and Russia plan to review and expand cooperation not just in defence, but across trade, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, health, media, cultural exchange, and technology. The two countries may sign multiple agreements — on trade, health, agricultural cooperation, media—and possibly on labour-mobility. A long-term economic cooperation roadmap up to 2030 is reportedly on the table. On energy: Reports mention cooperation on nuclear power — including continuation and expansion of the nuclear plant project at Kudankula...

बगराम एयर बेस: इतिहास, सामरिक महत्व और विरासत  प्रस्तावना  बगराम एयर बेस अफगानिस्तान की राजधानी काबुल से लगभग 40 किलोमीटर उत्तर में परवान प्रांत में स्थित है। यह अफगानिस्तान में अमेरिकी सेना का सबसे बड़ा ठिकाना था और लगभग दो दशकों तक "वार ऑन टेरर" (आतंकवाद के खिलाफ युद्ध) का प्रमुख केंद्र बना रहा। जुलाई 2021 में अमेरिकी सेना की वापसी तक यह ठिकाना अफगानिस्तान में अमेरिका की सैन्य शक्ति और रणनीतिक उपस्थिति का प्रतीक बना रहा। ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि  * सोवियत काल: बगराम बेस का निर्माण 1950 के दशक में सोवियत संघ ने किया था। 1979–1989 के बीच अफगानिस्तान पर सोवियत कब्जे के दौरान यह सोवियत सेना का मुख्य परिचालन अड्डा रहा। गृहयुद्ध और तालिबान काल: सोवियत वापसी के बाद यह ठिकाना विभिन्न अफगान गुटों के बीच संघर्ष का केंद्र बना रहा। 1990 के दशक के अंत तक यह तालिबान के नियंत्रण में आ गया।  * अमेरिकी अधिग्रहण (2001): 11 सितम्बर 2001 के हमलों के बाद जब अमेरिका ने अफगानिस्तान में सैन्य हस्तक्षेप किया तो बगराम बेस को सबसे बड़े सैन्य अड्डे के रूप में विकसित किया गया...

Bagram Air Base: History, Strategic Importance, and Legacy  Introduction  Bagram Air Base, located about 40 kilometers north of Kabul in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, was the largest U.S. military base in the country and one of the most significant military installations during the War on Terror. Known as the nerve center of American military operations in Afghanistan, Bagram symbolized U.S. power projection in South Asia for nearly two decades until its final evacuation in July 2021. Historical Background  * Soviet Era: Bagram was originally built in the 1950s by the Soviet Union as part of Cold War geopolitics. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979–1989), it served as a major operational hub for the Red Army.  * Civil War and Taliban Era: After the Soviet withdrawal, the base was contested among Afghan factions during the civil war. By the late 1990s, it fell into the hands of the Taliban before being seized by U.S. forces in 2001.  ...

 Introduction  The political journey of Narendra Damodardas Modi represents one of the most remarkable transformations in the history of Indian democracy. From his humble beginnings in Vadnagar, a small town in Gujarat, to rising as the most dominant political leader of the world’s largest democracy, Modi’s story is both inspirational and controversial. His leadership has not only redefined Indian politics but has also significantly influenced the nation’s economic, social, and international outlook. Since assuming office as the 14th Prime Minister of India in May 2014, Modi has emerged as a figure who evokes admiration and criticism in equal measure. The global political stage has taken note of Modi’s strong and charismatic persona. Unlike many of his predecessors, Modi has consistently maintained a direct connection with the masses, using tools like social media, radio programs such as Mann Ki Baat, and large-scale public rallies to communicate his vision. His su...