India and Tajikistan: A Growing Strategic Partnership

The bilateral relations between India and Tajikistan have been growing consistently, with cooperation spanning areas such as investment and trade, human development, security, and advanced technology.Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon called India an “important partner” and expressed optimism about the future of multifaceted bilateral relations.[1]

The interactions and exchange of ideas between the officials of both countries have seen a sharp increase in recent years, demonstrated by active embassy relations and frequent bilateral visits.​ When India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, visited Tajikistan in 2021, the discussions went beyond the protocol and standard topicsof a routine diplomatic event, touching upon humanitarian issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the situation in Afghanistan.[2]

Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister SirojiddinMuhriddin said both countries were strengthening cooperation in sectors related to trade, investment, healthcare, education, culture and industry, as well as in the modern areas of digitalisation, information technology, and artificial intelligence. He also stressed the need to build transport corridors, including the Chabahar port and the North-South corridor, even as he sought to establish joint logistics centres and simplify transit procedures.[3]

Both countries have signed agreements for cooperation in different areas of mutual interest.  Tajikistan has gained significantly from its multi-sectoral cooperation with India. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) allowed exchange of technical knowledge, equipment transfer in energy development and disaster management, and offered access to satellite imagery, disaster monitoring, and scientific collaboration in space technology.

The cooperation has been extended to education, capacity building, skilling and human resources development. During outbreak of Covid-19, India delivered 698,500 doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Tajikistan on 30.11.2021. Tajikistan considers India to be a ‘partner in development’ and seeks Indian support and aid in its developmental activities. In the cultural spheres, India and Tajikistan have developed vibrant relations,” said Dr RashminiKoparkar, a researcher at New Delhi-based Vivekanand International Foundation.[4]

The geostrategic location of Tajikistan is important for India.[1] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said both countries shared concerns about being close to Pakistan– the main source of terrorism. "Combating terrorism and extremism has always been an important and productive area of cooperation. At a time of growing threat of terrorism, we have resolved to intensify our cooperation further," he said.[2] Diplomats and officials from both countries have time and again held meetings on combating terrorism and extremism.[3]

Tajik President Rahmon condemned the terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April 2025. “We strongly condemn this cruel act of criminal forces and reiterate Tajikistan’s readiness to strengthen the relentless and collective fight against all manifestations of terrorism and extremism,” he said.[4] Both countries have already signed an agreement to share financial intelligence to counter money laundering and financing of terrorism.[5]

Indian Prime Minister Modi and Tajik President Rahmon discussed a range of issues on the sidelines of the latest Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit and expressed satisfaction with the positive dynamics of the multifaceted bilateral relations.[6] Both countries have supported each other on the international platforms. Tajikistan backed India’s bid for UNSC permanent membership as well as SCO Member status, while New Delhi supported Tajikistan's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and United Nations Economic and Social Council.[7]          

ParvizMuhammadzoda, Foreign Policy Professor at the Tajik National University, said the two countries were connected by deep cultural and historical ties, and India has a priority position in the foreign policy of Tajikistan. “And this course is sustainable, long-term and meets the objectives of ensuring the development of both countries. There are still many untapped opportunities for the expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and India, including within the framework of multilateral cooperation under the “Central Asia + India” platform,” he said.[8] This allows stronger cooperation with India, which enjoys goodwill and a positive image in Tajikistan, offering mutually beneficial gains, both in economic and strategic terms.[9]  This allows stronger cooperation with India, which enjoys goodwill and apositive image in Tajikistan, offering mutually beneficial gains, both in economic and strategic terms.[1]