India has withdrawn from the Ayni Airbase in Tajikistan, its only overseas military base, marking a major change in its Central Asia strategy. The withdrawal, which took place in 2022, has recently come to light. With this move, India no longer operates any foreign military base, signaling a reduction in its physical presence in one of the world’s most geopolitically sensitive regions.
India Quietly Withdraws from Ayni Airbase in Tajikistan: A Major Shift in Central Asia Strategy
Ayni Airbase: Historical and Strategic Background
Originally built during the Soviet era, the Ayni Airbase fell into disuse after the USSR’s collapse. In 2002, India partnered with Tajikistan to rebuild and modernize it, investing around $80 million. Key developments included:
- A 3,200-metre runway suitable for fighter jets
- Construction of hangars, fuel depots, and control towers
- Infrastructure upgrades by India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
Located only 20 km from Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, Ayni gave India a strategic vantage point close to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and China’s Xinjiang region. It served as a crucial node for monitoring developments in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China.
Strategic Importance of Ayni Airbase
Ayni was not just a military site—it was a symbol of India’s expanding geopolitical reach. Its key roles included:
- Supporting Afghanistan’s Northern Alliance during earlier conflicts.
- Enabling evacuation and humanitarian operations after the Taliban’s 2021 takeover.
- Acting as a logistical and intelligence outpost near volatile borders.
- Providing space for Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets and around 200 Indian personnel.
- Serving as a counterbalance to Chinese and Russian influence in the region.
Thus, Ayni was both a strategic and symbolic milestone in India’s defence diplomacy.
Reasons Behind India’s Withdrawal
India’s withdrawal from Ayni was influenced by several geopolitical and diplomatic factors:
- The bilateral operational agreement expired in 2022 and was not renewed.
- Russia and China reportedly pressured Tajikistan to limit India’s military presence.
- India conducted the withdrawal quietly, avoiding official announcements to reduce attention.
This development marks a strategic loss for India after two decades of effort, reflecting Russia and China’s increasing dominance in Central Asia’s security landscape.
Global Comparison: India vs Major Powers
India’s overseas military footprint is minimal compared to other global powers:
- China maintains a base in Djibouti and is reportedly building another in Tajikistan.
- The United States operates over 100 overseas bases worldwide, including in Germany, Japan, Qatar, and South Korea.
India’s lack of foreign bases could limit its rapid deployment capabilities and reduce its strategic influence in global affairs, particularly in Central Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- Ayni Airbase is located in Tajikistan, 20 km from Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor.
- India invested $80 million to modernize the base starting in 2002.
- The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) developed key infrastructure.
- India withdrew from the base in 2022 after the lease was not renewed.
- The move was influenced by Russian and Chinese pressure.
- India no longer maintains any foreign military base.
Question & Answer
Q1. In which country was India’s only overseas military base located?
(a) Uzbekistan
(b) Afghanistan
(c) Tajikistan
(d) Iran
Answer: Tajikistan
Q2. What was the name of India’s overseas military base in Tajikistan?
(a) Farkhor Airbase
(b) Ayni Airbase
(c) Gissar Airbase
(d) Dushanbe Airfield
Answer: Ayni Airbase
Q3. When did India officially withdraw from Ayni Airbase?
(a) 2020
(b) 2021
(c) 2022
(d) 2023
Answer: 2022
Q4. Which organisation was responsible for developing Ayni Airbase infrastructure?
(a) DRDO
(b) ISRO
(c) BRO (Border Roads Organisation)
(d) Indian Air Force Engineering Wing
Answer: BRO (Border Roads Organisation)
Q5. Why was India’s lease on Ayni Airbase not renewed?
(a) Technical issues
(b) Lack of funds
(c) Pressure from Russia and China
(d) Natural disaster
Answer: Pressure from Russia and China
Q6. Which country currently has a military base in Djibouti?
(a) India
(b) China
(c) Russia
(d) Japan
Answer: China
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