Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India Relations with Other Nations, Issue: India’s withdrawal from Ayni Airbase.
Context:
India ended its presence at the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan in 2022 after the lease was not renewed, reportedly because Tajikistan faced pressure from Russia and China.
Key Takeaways:
Background: The Ayni Airbase:
- Location: Situated near Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
- Historical Significance: Initially used to support the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan during the 1990s and later for evacuating Indians after the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021.
- Development: The base, originally built during the Soviet era, was in disrepair. India invested approximately $80 million in its renovation under a 2002 agreement with the Tajik government. The Border Roads Organisation played a significant role in the renovation.
- Personnel and Assets: At its peak, the base housed up to 200 Indian military personnel, primarily from the Army and Air Force, along with Sukhoi 30 MKI jets.
Strategic Importance:
- Provided India a military foothold in Central Asia a region of high strategic interest.
- Enabled surveillance and operational reach over Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- Located near the Wakhan Corridor, it offered India leverage in regional security and counter-terror operations.
- Strengthened India’s role as a security partner in Central Asia amid growing China-Pakistan proximity.
India’s exit from the Ayni airbase ends a key Central Asian foothold, driven by regional pressures and rising Russian-Chinese influence. It also reflects India’s shift toward strengthening its maritime presence, while continued diplomatic and security engagement will be vital to retain influence in Central Asia.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-ayni-airbase-10353656
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