Tajikistan Expels India from Key Air Base After Two Decades, Ends Ayni Air Base Lease

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily)** —
In a major geopolitical setback for India, **Tajikistan has taken full control of the Ayni Air Base**, forcing India to vacate its **only overseas military facility** after nearly **two decades** of presence.

According to international defense journals, the move came following **pressure from Russia and China**, leading Dushanbe to terminate the lease agreement with New Delhi. Analysts say the development has delivered a **significant blow to India’s strategic foothold in Central Asia**, where the Ayni Air Base had served as a **critical surveillance and operational point** for monitoring **Pakistan and Afghanistan**.

**Russian and Chinese Influence**
Experts suggest that **Moscow and Beijing** played a decisive role in pushing Tajikistan to end India’s lease. Russia already maintains **over 7,000 troops** stationed in Tajikistan, while China has **expanded its investments and military cooperation** under the **Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)**.

**Strategic Setback for India**
India had invested between **$70–100 million** in developing the Ayni Air Base back in **2002**, where **Mi-17 helicopters** and **Su-30 fighter jets** were reportedly stationed. With the recent withdrawal, India has **lost its only military presence in Central Asia**, marking a significant reduction in its regional influence.

Political observers in **New Delhi** have labeled the development a **foreign policy failure**, while defense analysts describe it as a **“strategic wake-up call”** for India amid shifting alliances and growing **Russian-Chinese-Pakistani influence** in the region.