DUSHANBE, July 8, 2015, Asia-Plus --  While in Tajikistan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi is expected to visit one of military units in Khatlon province and the Ayni airfield belonging to the Ministry of Defense of Tajikistan,  a source in the Tajik government told Asia-Plus in an interview.

The India-Tajikistan Friendship Hospital is located within the compound of military unit 07017, which is deployed in Khatlon province.  Set up by India ,this 50-bed hospital was officially opened in early October last year.

The renovated Ayni airfield belonging to the Tajik Ministry of Defense was officially opened on September 3, 2010.

India contributed 70 million USD toward the renovation and sent specialists to help with the work.  The airfield, located some 20 kilometers west of Dushanbe, now has state-of-the-art navigational and defense technology. Its runway was also extended to 3,200 meters so that all types of aircraft can land there.

We will recall that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi will arrive in Tajikistan on July 12 for an official two-day visit.

Mr. Narendra Damodardas Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Prime Minister Qohir Rasoulzod and Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper house of parliament) Chairman Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev.

The meetings are expected to focus on the state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields of energy, agriculture, security, culture, and science, the source noted.

Meanwhile, The Economic Times (India) cited Mr. Narendra Damodardas Modi as saying, “We have a strategic partnership with Tajikistan and have very strong defense cooperation as well.  However, our economic cooperation has been limited and the scope of growth is immense.  Bilateral trade has huge potential.”

"My visit will build on the existing strong diplomatic and defense ties and script a fresh chapter in our economic ties," he said, while looking forward to meeting President Emomali Rahmon.

Modi reportedly said "key agreements" will also be signed after the talks. He will also be gifting medicines for the India-Tajikistan Friendship Hospital and unveil Rabindranath Tagore''s statue, according to The Economic Times .

“I am optimistic that the outcomes from this visit will be very positive and further deepen the strong bond between India and Tajikistan," Modi said. 

The last time an Indian Prime Minister visited Tajikistan was Atal Bihari Vajpayee in November 2003.