Ayni Airbase

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India has quietly withdrawn from the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan — ending two decades of strategic military presence in central Asia.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

• 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