India wraps up operation at Ayni airbase: Strategic pact with Tajikistan expires; key hub of Central Asian engagement

NEW DELHI: India concluded its activities at the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan after a bilateral arrangement with the Tajik authorities came to an end, according to people aware of the development.The understanding between New Delhi and Dushanbe, which allowed for the joint use and development of the Soviet-era facility, expired nearly four years ago, they said, as reported by PTI.Although Indian personnel and equipment were withdrawn from the site in 2022, the reasons behind the decision have surfaced only recently.Situated close to Tajikistan’s capital city, Dushanbe, the Ayni base was modernised with India’s help through upgrades to the runway, fuel storage systems, and air traffic control infrastructure.India’s involvement in the airbase was seen as part of its broader attempt to deepen its strategic footprint in Central Asia. Initially, New Delhi sought access to Ayni to support the former Northern Alliance in Afghanistan.About ten years ago, the Indian Air Force briefly stationed Su-30MKI fighter aircraft and helicopters at the facility.The base also played a key role in 2021, when India relied on Ayni to evacuate its citizens and officials from Afghanistan after the Taliban regained power, the people mentioned above added.