The story of Bagram Air Base involves military strategy, geopolitics, history, and the long-term results of America’s longest war. News came out in September 2025 that U.S. President Donald Trump wanted to regain control of Bagram, the large airfield in Afghanistan that used to be the center of American military power in the area. This suggestion caused quick responses in both Washington and Kabul. People wondered if the U.S. was really thinking about setting up a military presence again in a country it had left just four years earlier.
This piece talks about why this action matters, the political reasons for it, and what it could mean for Afghanistan, the U.S., and the surrounding area.
Looking back at India-UAE trade history helps us understand how tough the current goal is.The CEPA Deal: India and the UAE signed a big trade deal called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), starting May 1, 2022. This deal made trade simpler by lowering or removing taxes, easing rules, and opening doors for goods, services, investments, and working together.
Current Trade Numbers (No Oil): By mid-2025, trade between India and the UAE (without oil and precious metals) is around US$50-55 billion.For Instance: In the first 10 months of 2024, trade between the UAE and India, not counting oil, jumped to US$53.8 billion, a big jump from before.
Growth: Trade has been growing fast recently. In the first half of 2025, trade between the two countries was almost US$38 billion, about 34% more than the same time last year.So, starting from about US$50-55 billion, the goal is to almost double trade in just 3-4 years (even though earlier plans aimed for 2030).
**Trade and Risk Variety**
If a country depends too much on oil or commodities, its economy can be hurt by price changes, problems with the international supply chain, and instability in different countries. India, which buys a lot of oil, and the UAE, which has been an oil producer, can both gain from having a trading plan that’s wider, more reliable, and able to bounce back.
**Using Strengths**
India’s manufacturing is growing fast, especially in areas like medicines, textiles, farm products, chemicals, gems, jewelry, and engineering items. It also has a big local market, a growing middle class, and skills in IT and services.The UAE has strong infrastructure like ports, transportation centers, special economic zones, service industries, investment money, and its location, which makes it a gateway to Africa, West Asia, and other places. By mixing India’s ability to supply products with the UAE’s connectivity and money, trading non-oil goods and services can be greatly improved.
**Good Policies**
CEPA has really helped by lowering obstacles and making rules easier.Important groups are being created to watch how things are going, fix technical trade barriers, and help trade in services, small businesses, new companies, and more.
**Investment and Partnership Possibilities**
UAE’s investment in India has been going up, through direct buys, joint businesses, and as a partner in building projects. Both countries also see chance in areas like renewable energy (green hydrogen, energy storage), infrastructure, shipping, financial tech, tourism, health, education, and more. These areas offer chances for non-oil trade, in both goods and services.
**Business and Private Sector Movement**
Private businesses in both countries have a lot to gain. Indian exporters want easier entry to UAE markets. UAE companies are looking for chances in India’s markets, manufacturing, and tech areas. There is also interest in working together on building projects in other countries.
The goal for India and the UAE to hit $100 billion in non-oil trade is more than just a number. It’s about creating an economic relationship that’s ready for what’s next, strong, and open to everyone. It means exploring options outside old industries, using new resources, and helping companies, employees, customers, and communities grow in both countries.
Getting there will take teamwork, policy changes, trust, and keeping things moving. If it works out, the India-UAE situation could show other fast-growing countries how to move past basic trade and build a successful, varied, and beneficial partnership.
