Thu Sep 18 17:31:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewrite of the text as a news article, keeping in mind the implied Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

U.S. President Donald Trump, during a state visit to the U.K., announced that his administration is attempting to negotiate the return of Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan from the Taliban. Trump claims the previous administration “gave” the base to the Taliban during the chaotic troop withdrawal in 2020. He cites its strategic importance, particularly its proximity to Chinese nuclear facilities, as a key reason for wanting it back.

**News Article:**

**The Hindu: Trump Seeks Return of Bagram Airfield, Cites China Threat**

**LONDON -** In a move that could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of the region, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that his administration is actively pursuing the return of Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan from Taliban control. The announcement, made during a joint press conference with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, has raised eyebrows in international circles and sparked debate about the future of Afghanistan and regional security.

Trump stated that the airbase, a crucial logistical hub for U.S. forces during their presence in Afghanistan, was effectively “given” to the Taliban following the withdrawal of American troops in 2020 under the previous U.S. administration. He emphasized the strategic importance of Bagram, highlighting its proximity to locations he claimed were involved in China’s nuclear weapons program.

“We want that base back… it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons,” Trump stated, framing the issue as one of national security for both the U.S. and its allies.

The potential implications of the U.S. regaining control of Bagram are considerable. For India, a renewed U.S. presence in the region could be a mixed bag. While it might offer a counterweight to growing Chinese influence in Afghanistan, it also carries the risk of further destabilizing the already volatile situation and potentially increasing the flow of extremist elements across borders.

Analysts note that the success of any such negotiation hinges on the Taliban’s willingness to cooperate, which remains highly uncertain. The price the U.S. would have to pay, and the potential consequences for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, are also key questions that need addressing. The announcement is sure to fuel intense debate within Afghanistan and across the region, particularly given the existing complex dynamics involving the Taliban, China, Pakistan, and neighboring Central Asian states. The unfolding situation warrants close monitoring as it develops.

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