The bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Tajikistan have developed considerably owing to both nations’ cooperation on security and strategic issues. India has set up its first overseas military base in Tajikstan.
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Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of India were established in 1992. In 1994, India opened its diplomatic mission in Dushanbe and Tajikistan opened its embassy in New Delhi in 2003. In September 1997, the opening of the Trade representation of Tajikistan in India took Diplomatic relations was established with Tajikistan’s independence following the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union, which had been friendly with India
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India remains not only a brotherly country for Tajikistan with common historical and cultural roots, but also as a geo-strategically important nation, rich in natural and human resources. The common views of political leaders of both countries about important issues of International relations are firm points for enhancing bilateral relations in various fields such as, economy, commerce, politics, science and culture. In 2006 the Honorable President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, paid an official visit to India. This visit laid the milestone for further strengthening of historical ties between the two countries.
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The two countries have been cooperating in electricity power projects, railway projects, information technology, industry, agriculture, education and tourism. According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries, a Centre of Information and Technology has been opened in Dushanbe in August 2008. Similarly, National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) are implementing Government of India funded modernization of Varzob- 1 hydro power plant.
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Both countries signed an agreement on cooperation in the agricultural sector in October 2010. This agreement is the main document for the development of bilateral cooperation in such areas as exchange of information in joint programs for scientific agriculture research and technology, animal husbandry, joint ventures for the production of agricultural products and processing. Agriculture in India, as in Tajikistan, is the main economic sector. Tajikistan occupies a prominent place in the world for the production of dried fruits, growing fresh vegetables and fruits, cotton, and legumes. By applying innovative technology and rich experience of Indian enterprises to grow cotton in Tajikistan can boost the mutual cooperation between the two countries. In recent years there has been a strengthening of the Tajik – Indian cultural cooperation, which undoubtedly contributes to the overall climate of constructive bilateral relations
In July 2012 External Affairs Minister of India visited Tajikistan and President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan visited India in September 2012. During the recent visit of the president, India moved closed in bilateral ties with assigning Tajikistan as strategic partner tag.
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With ongoing development in Afghanistan, the ties between India and Tajikistan are deepened due to rise of Taliban in Afghanistan especially on counter-terrorism and defence co-operation. The two countries have a joint working group on counter-terrorism in place. Tajikistan, which shares over 1,400 km border with Afghanistan, faces threat from Taliban-linked terror groups like Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. India is also in talks with Tajikistan to set up a military hospital even as it maintains an airbase in Ayni there, the countries only such facility overseas.
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This recent strategic partnership emanated mainly from Tajikistan’s fear of the Taliban and the possibility of their comeback in Kabul after the drawdown of international forces in 2014 according to experts. India and Tajikistan signed six agreements in the field of sports, health, culture, education, labour, textiles and energy. Further, India and the central Asian country of Tajikistan agreed to advance their ties to a strategic partnership in order to impart greater strength to the relationship through all-round co-operation and engagement.
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Reaffirming that international terrorism is a threat to global peace and security, the two sides condemned “those who support terrorism and underscored that those aiding, abetting and sheltering terrorists were as guilty of acts of terrorism as their actual perpetrators.” The leaders also stressed the need to work jointly towards eliminating terrorism including exchange of information, data, financing of terrorism and related matters and emphasized the need for enhanced dialogue between security agencies.