India’s exit from Ayni base in Tajikistan reflects a reorientation of its strategic choices

India’s joint military facility at Ayni in Tajikistan, operational for nearly 20 years, symbolized Delhi’s strategic reach in Central Asia. Established after Farkhor, it supported intelligence, surveillance, logistics, and humanitarian missions, including aid to Afghanistan’s National Resistance Front. India’s presence aligned with regional partnerships and global strategic interests, balancing ties with the US and Russia. The base’s closure, begun in 2022 under pressure from China, Pakistan, and Russia, marked the end of India’s only Central Asian outpost. While nostalgic, the exit signals India’s pivot toward new military facilities in the Indian Ocean, reflecting a broader reorientation of its defense and geopolitical strategy.