Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Congress Slams India's Exit from Tajikistan Airbase as Diplomatic Setback
India had a special military base in Tajikistan called Ayni, which it helped build and use since the early 2000s.
This base was important for India's plans in Central Asia and was even used to help people leave Afghanistan in 2021.
However, the agreement India had with Tajikistan to use the base ended about four years ago.
Recently, India has finally taken all its people and equipment away, ending its operation there.
The Congress party believes this is a big problem for India's relationships and influence with other countries, calling it a 'setback for strategic diplomacy'.
India has completed its operations at the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan.
The decision follows the lapse of a bilateral agreement for the airbase's development and joint operation, which ended approximately four years ago.
The Congress party has labeled India's exit as a significant setback for the nation's strategic diplomacy.
India had established its presence at the Ayni airbase in the early 2000s and had expanded infrastructure there.
Personnel and military equipment were withdrawn by 2022, but the reason for finally wrapping up operations has recently emerged.
- Who
- Congress party (Jairam Ramesh), India, Tajikistan
- What
- India has wrapped up its operation at the Ayni airbase following the lapse of a bilateral agreement.
- When
- Recently (agreement lapse approx. 4 years ago, personnel/equipment withdrawn by 2022)
- Where
- Ayni airbase, Tajikistan
- Why
- The bilateral agreement for the development and joint operation of the airbase expired.
Congress Perspective
Contextual Information (Implied Government Position)
Strategic Significance and Exit
Congress Perspective
India wrapping up operations at the Ayni airbase is a 'setback for strategic diplomacy', indicating a loss of strategic advantage and poor planning.
Contextual Information (Implied Government Position)
The exit is a natural conclusion due to the expiration of a bilateral agreement for the airbase's joint operation, which lapsed about four years ago. India withdrew personnel and equipment by 2022.
India's Role and Overseas Presence
Congress Perspective
The closure of its only overseas military facility suggests a weakening of India's international strategic footprint.
Contextual Information (Implied Government Position)
India's involvement in the Soviet-era airbase, including infrastructure expansion and deployment of aircraft, was part of efforts to expand strategic influence and support regional alliances.
- Airbase Name
- Ayni Airbase
- Location
- Tajikistan, near capital Dushanbe
- India's Involvement Period
- Early 2000s to 2022
- Reason for Exit
- Lapse of bilateral agreement (ended approx. 4 years ago)
- Congress's Stance
- Setback for strategic diplomacy
- Purpose of Involvement
- Support Northern Alliance, expand strategic influence in Central Asia
