India’s strategic presence at the Ayni Air Base in Tajikistan, its first overseas military facility, has come to an end following the expiration of a bilateral agreement with Tajikistan, which was reportedly influenced by pressure from Russia and China. Over nearly 25 years, India invested approximately $100 million to renovate the base, enhancing its capabilities and establishing it as a logistical hub for operations, including crucial evacuations during the Afghanistan crisis in 2021. The airbase’s geographic location offered India a significant advantage, allowing for potential operations against Pakistan and providing alternative access routes into Afghanistan. However, Tajikistan’s decision not to renew the lease reflects its strategic pivot towards maintaining regional stability and aligning more closely with its dominant neighbors, Russia and China. This withdrawal raises questions about India’s influence in Central Asia, as it seeks to recalibrate its geopolitical strategy amid increasing competition. While some analysts view the base as underutilized, others emphasize the deterrent value it provided against regional threats. Moving forward, India aims to enhance its regional engagements through multi-alignment strategies, such as strengthening ties with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and investing in infrastructure projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor.