Tensions in India's Western Neighbourhood: Tajikistan's Defence Preparations

In response to escalating tensions along its border with Afghanistan, Tajikistan is enhancing its defence capabilities. This move is a part of a broader strategy by the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) to prevent potential conflicts and terrorist incursions into Tajikistan.

CSTO Involvement

• The CSTO comprises Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Tajikistan.
• CSTO members have agreed to bolster Tajikistan's border security with Afghanistan.
• A comprehensive list of military equipment and weapons has been finalised for border protection, to be produced and delivered by CSTO member states.

Strategic Coordination

• A recent CSTO meeting, attended by Acting CSTO Secretary General Valery Semerikov, focused on strengthening the Tajik-Afghan border. 
• This meeting was part of the Targeted Interstate Program to enhance regional security.

Regional Concerns

• Ties between Tajikistan and Afghanistan have been strained since the Taliban's takeover in 2021.
• Approximately 30% of Afghanistan's population is of Tajik origin, with anti-Taliban leaders residing in Tajikistan.
• There are fears of ISIS terrorist infiltration from Afghanistan, which shares a 1,300-km border with Tajikistan.
• Taliban officials have downplayed these security concerns, asserting Afghanistan poses no threat to neighbouring countries.