Archive · 25 Nov 2025
India Relinquishes Ayni Airbase in Tajikistan
India has given up control of the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan.
This base was important for India's security and helped keep an eye on Pakistan and China.
India spent a lot of money to fix up the base and even had fighter jets and hospitals there.
The base was also used to help people during the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.
India's decision to leave might be because of pressure from Russia and China, and because the Taliban is now in power in Afghanistan.
Even though India is leaving the base, it still wants to be friends with the countries in Central Asia and will focus on cultural and economic ties.
India has relinquished the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan upon the expiry of the bilateral agreement.
The airbase was strategically important for India's deterrence and security against Pakistan and China.
India invested $70 million to upgrade the base, including a 3,200-metre runway and air traffic control systems.
The base was used for humanitarian efforts, such as treating members of the Northern Alliance and evacuating Indians from Afghanistan in 2021.
Geopolitical pressure from Russia and China, along with the Taliban's return to power, influenced India's decision to leave.
- Who
- India, Tajikistan, Russia, China, Taliban, Central Asian nations, US, EU, Türkiye
- What
- India relinquished the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan upon the expiry of the bilateral agreement
- When
- After the expiry of the bilateral agreement (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Ayni airbase in Tajikistan, near the Afghan border
- Why
- Geopolitical pressure from Russia and China, diminished logistical and intelligence support against the Taliban, and India’s expanding relationship with the Taliban
- Location
- 20 km from the Wakhan Corridor, bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and China’s Xinjiang province
- Facilities Upgraded
- 3,200-metre runway, air traffic control systems, fuel depots
- Military Presence
- Su-30MKI fighter jets and helicopters
- Strategic Importance
- Boosted deterrence and strategic depth against Pakistan
- Humanitarian Role
- Military hospital in Farkhor for Northern Alliance and Afghan evacuations
- Geopolitical Factors
- Russia and China’s pressure, Taliban’s return to power, India’s expanding relationship with the Taliban
- Regional Engagement
- India’s cultural and civilisational diplomacy, connectivity strategies