India-Tajikistan Road Expedition begins in Dushanbe to strengthen bilateral ties, with focus on connectivity, trade, culture and regional cooperation
Dushanbe, Tajikistan: Indian Ambassador to Tajikistan Shri Rajesh Uike flagged off the India-Tajikistan Road Expedition at Ismoil Somoni Square in Dushanbe. The expedition aims to strengthen people-to-people relations and deepen bilateral understanding between India and Tajikistan.
Ms Zulfiya Burhon, Secretary General of UNESCO for Tajikistan and Head of the UNESCO Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan; Prof. Usmonzoda, Director of the Centre for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan; Indologists, academicians and media representatives attended the flag-off ceremony.
The dignitaries welcomed the initiative and highlighted its potential to bring Indian and Tajik institutions and communities closer. Mr Lukmon Bobobkalonzoda, Ambassador of Tajikistan to India, also conveyed his best wishes to the expedition team.
The expedition follows Tajikistan’s celebration of the 35th anniversary of its independence on September 9, 2026. It seeks to further strengthen the historical, cultural, academic and economic connections between India and Tajikistan.
MERI Centre for International Studies Leads Expedition
The MERI Centre for International Studies (CIS) is conducting the expedition under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Ramakant Dwivedi, Head of MERI CIS and Director of the India-Central Asia Foundation (ICAF).
Prof. Lalit Aggarwal, Vice-President of MERI Group of Institutions, and Mr Luv Aggarwal are also part of the expedition team.
The expedition will cover Tajikistan from September 7 to September 21, 2026. It combines road travel, field assessment and institutional interaction to help the team understand Tajikistan’s regions, connectivity, economic potential and cultural heritage.
Expedition Examines Connectivity and Trade
The expedition team will study the role of transport corridors in the current regional environment. It will also examine India’s interests in Tajikistan and Tajikistan’s interests in India while identifying opportunities to advance shared priorities.
The team will further explore practical opportunities to expand bilateral and multilateral trade and commerce.
MERI CIS is coordinating the overall expedition and working with relevant ministries, embassies and other stakeholders.
Road Expedition Covers Key Tajik Regions
The planned route covers Dushanbe, Bukhtar (Ajina Teppe), Kulob, Darvoz, Khorog, Iskashim, Qalai Khunmb, Danghra, Nurek, Iskanderkul Lake, Panjikent and Khojent before returning to Dushanbe.
The route will provide the team with first-hand insights into Tajikistan’s geographical diversity, regional connectivity, cultural heritage and economic potential.
Expanding India-Central Asia Engagement
The India-Tajikistan Road Expedition aims to strengthen India-Central Asia engagement through academic interaction, cultural understanding, field research and institutional dialogue.
The initiative will focus on connectivity, commerce, culture and shared interests while creating opportunities for stronger engagement between institutions and communities in India and Tajikistan.
Through the expedition, MERI CIS aims to contribute to stronger India-Tajikistan relations and explore new opportunities for cooperation in trade, connectivity, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
