Archive · 30 Oct 2025
India Withdraws From Tajikistan's Ayni Air Base After Accord Lapses
India used to have a military base in Tajikistan called Ayni Air Base.
India helped fix it up a long time ago so its planes could use it.
This base was important for India to see what was happening in nearby countries.
Recently, the agreement India had with Tajikistan to use the base ran out, like a subscription ending.
So, India left the base in 2022.
Tajikistan had asked India to remove its things a few months before that.
Now, the base is back with Tajikistan.
India has withdrawn from the Ayni Air Base in Tajikistan, with the Ministry of External Affairs confirming the move.
The withdrawal occurred because a bilateral agreement for the rehabilitation and development of the air base expired.
Indian personnel vacated the base in 2022, and Tajikistan had previously requested the removal of Indian assets.
India renovated the base under a 2002 agreement, including constructing a 3,200-meter runway and upgrading facilities.
The Ayni Air Base was considered a strategic asset for India, providing surveillance and reach in Central Asia.
- Who
- India and Tajikistan
- What
- India has withdrawn its personnel and assets from the Ayni Air Base.
- When
- The withdrawal was completed in 2022.
- Where
- Ayni Air Base, Tajikistan, approximately 15 kilometers from the capital city Dushanbe.
- Why
- The withdrawal occurred because a bilateral agreement between India and Tajikistan for the rehabilitation and development of the aerodrome expired.
- Air Base Name
- Ayni Air Base
- Location
- 15 km from Dushanbe, Tajikistan
- Original Agreement Year
- 2002
- Withdrawal Year
- 2022
- Reason for Withdrawal
- Expiry of bilateral agreement
- Indian Renovation Included
- 3,200-metre runway, hangars, fuel storage, air traffic control