DUSHANBE, October 4, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Indian Defence Minister Arakkaparambil Kurian Antony paid a short visit to Dushanbe on October 3, according to the Ministry of Defense (MoD).

The source at a MoD says Indian defense yesterday had a short stopover in Dushanbe on his way to Moscow.  At the Dushanbe airport, he was met by his Tajik counterpart Sherali Khairulloyev.

The two reportedly discussed issues being of mutual interest, including the current situation in Afghanistan.  They expressed interest in further expansion of military and technical cooperation between Tajikistan and India.

“Indian Defence Minister Arakkaparambil Kurian Antony is expected to arrive in Dushanbe from Moscow tomorrow,” said the source, “He will hold talks with President Emomali Rahmon and more detailed negotiations with Tajik Defense Minister Sherali Khairulloyev.”

India remains one of strategic partners of Tajikistan in the field of military and technical cooperation.  An agreement on military cooperation between the two countries was signed in 2002.

New Delhi supported to upgrade the Ayni airfield.  India’s ties with the Tajik military have not been limited to renovating the airfield. In 2003, New Delhi conducted its first Central Asian military exercise with Tajikistan.  India has made many donations to the Tajik defense ministry.  In addition, hundreds of Tajik military cadets and officers have been trained at India’s National Defence Academy since 1998.  India also funded the refurbishment of the Tajik Military Institute in Dushanbe.