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Ayni Airbase

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November 11, 2025

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | International relations

Why in news?

India has quietly withdrawn from the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan — ending two decades of strategic military presence in central Asia.

  • Ayni – It was India’s only full-fledged overseas military facility, giving it both a symbolic and strategic edge in central Asia.
  • Location – Near Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
  • It shares close proximity to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, which shares a boundary with the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and with China’s Xinjiang province.

Ayni airbase

  • History – Originally built during the Soviet era; fell into disrepair post-USSR collapse.
  • Indian role –
    • India renovated and modernized the base under a 2002 bilateral agreement, investing ~$80 million.
    • Hosted Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters, maintenance facilities, and fuel depots.
    • Used during the 2021 Kabul evacuation to assist Indian nationals.
  • Reason for withdrawal – Expiry of bilateral arrangement with Tajikistan (ended in 2022 and was not renewed).
  • Strategic implications –
    • Limits monitoring ability – Its proximity to Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor offered New Delhi valuable leverage — especially in monitoring developments involving China and Pakistan.
    • Diplomatic setback – Seen as a blow to India’s long-term strategic planning and regional diplomacy.
    • Increased dependence on maritime assets – With no land-based presence, India may rely more on naval deployments for regional influence.
  • Importance for India –
    • Geopolitical Foothold – Provided India a rare military presence in Central Asia, enhancing its strategic depth.
    • Proximity to Afghanistan & Pakistan – Enabled surveillance and rapid response capabilities in volatile regions.
    • Symbol of Strategic Diplomacy – Reflected India’s ambitions to counterbalance Chinese and Russian influence in the region.

India currently does not have a functional overseas military base in any other country.

Reference

Indian Express | Ayni airbase

 

 

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