India Withdraws from Ayni Airbase
Ayni was India’s only full-fledged overseas airbase, located in Tajikistan, providing India with a strategic military foothold in Central Asia and influence over Pakistan. Its position allowed India to extend its presence in a region dominated by major powers such as Russia and China.
Background and Strategic Importance
India first deployed military personnel to the Ayni airbase while supporting the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan against the Taliban. The base played a crucial role in the region’s geopolitics by allowing India to project its influence.
The airbase was also used by India to evacuate its nationals after the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021.
Located about 20 km from Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor—which borders Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and China’s Xinjiang province—the airbase was originally constructed during the Soviet era. After the Soviet Union dissolved, the base fell into poor condition.
Withdrawal and Implications
In 2022, India began quietly withdrawing its military personnel and equipment from Ayni, concluding nearly two decades of operational presence there. The withdrawal marks the end of India’s direct military foothold in Central Asia.
Its departure reduces India’s ability to project influence directly in this strategic region, which remains under the strong presence of Russia and China.
Key Points
- Ayni was India’s only overseas airbase.
- Served strategic military and geopolitical roles in Central Asia.
- Used for supporting Afghan allies and evacuating Indian nationals.
- Located near sensitive borders with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and China.
- India began withdrawing from the base in 2022.
- Withdrawal limits India’s direct influence amid regional powers.
Author’s Summary
India’s withdrawal from the Ayni airbase ends its unique military foothold in Central Asia, diminishing its regional influence amid dominant powers like Russia and China.