India has quietly withdrawn troops and military equipment from the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan, its only fully operational overseas military facility. For nearly two decades, the base symbolized New Delhi’s strategic footprint in Central Asia, offering proximity to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor—just 20 kilometers away—and enabling surveillance advantages over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and China’s Xinjiang region. Originally built during the Soviet era, Ayni had deteriorated after the USSR’s collapse. India revived the base in 2002 through an agreement with Tajikistan, investing about $80 million to modernize the infrastructure, including extending the runway to support fighter jets and heavy transport aircraft. However, in 2022 India began withdrawing personnel when the lease expired. Tajikistan opted not to renew the agreement, reportedly under pressure from Russia and China, both influential players in Central Asia. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the base was formally handed back to Tajik authorities that year. Losing Ayni marks a significant strategic setback for India. The base had provided India with vital intelligence advantages and a rare military presence near regions critical to its national security interests. Analysts believe India may now face reduced influence in Central Asia and diminished oversight capabilities over China-Pakistan activities in the region.
বিদেশে ভারতের একমাত্র পূর্ণাঙ্গ সামরিক ঘাঁটি ছিল তাজিকিস্তানের আয়নি বিমানঘাঁটি। কিন্তু সেখান থেকে অনেকটা চুপিসারে সৈন্য ও সরঞ্জাম সরিয়ে নিয়েছে নয়াদিল্লি। প্রায় দুই দশক ধরে এই ঘাঁটি মধ্য এশিয়ায় ভারতের কৌশলগত উপস্থিতির একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ প্রতীক ছিল। তাহলে এখন কেন গোপনে ঘাঁটিটি ছেড়ে দিলো ভারত?
The ‘1 Nojor’ media platform is now live in beta, inviting users to explore and provide feedback as we continue to refine the experience.
