India's Withdrawal from Ayni Airbase in Tajikistan

INDIA’S EXIT FROM AYNI AIRBASE IN TAJIKISTAN: STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

Overview

India has officially withdrawn from the Ayni Airbase in Tajikistan, marking the end of its only overseas military presence. This decision concludes a two-decade-long strategic partnership that began in the early 2000s when India, in collaboration with Tajikistan, modernized and operated the facility. The withdrawal follows the expiry of a bilateral agreement, reflecting a shift in India’s strategic engagement with Central Asia.

Background

Located approximately 10 kilometers from Dushanbe, the Ayni Airbase was originally a Soviet-era installation that India renovated with upgraded runways, advanced air traffic control systems, and fuel storage facilities. It was considered a critical component of India’s security network in Central Asia, particularly due to its proximity to Afghanistan. The base also proved useful for humanitarian and evacuation operations during the 2021 Taliban takeover.

Reasons for Withdrawal

Several factors appear to have influenced India’s decision to withdraw:

• The bilateral agreement for joint development and operations expired around four years ago.
• Over time, India was requested to gradually reduce its presence at the facility.
• Diplomatic recalibration and logistical challenges likely made continued operations less viable.

Strategic Significance

The Ayni Airbase represented India’s strategic reach and ambition to maintain a foothold in Central Asia — a region dominated by Russian and Chinese influence. Its closure reduces India’s operational leverage, especially in terms of intelligence gathering, quick response capability, and regional connectivity. The move also narrows India’s ability to project power or monitor developments around Afghanistan and the larger Eurasian region.

Regional Context

India’s exit from the airbase comes at a time of evolving geopolitical shifts in Central Asia. The region is increasingly shaped by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Russia’s security influence through the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). In this environment, India’s reduced presence may affect its defense diplomacy, counterterrorism cooperation, and connectivity projects such as the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar Port initiative.

Conclusion

India’s withdrawal from the Ayni Airbase signifies the end of a significant chapter in its regional defense diplomacy. While the move may be guided by practical considerations, it underscores the importance of crafting renewed strategic and economic initiatives in Central Asia. Sustaining India’s influence in this geopolitically vital region will now depend on stronger partnerships, multilateral engagement, and enhanced connectivity efforts.