New Delhi, Oct 9 (KNN) India has offered a grant of $20 mn to Tajikistan for development projects in order to further deepen their `Strategic Partnership’ by collaborating in areas of defence, trade, tourism and investments.

At the end of discussions between President Ram Nath Kovind with his Tajikistan counterpart President Emomali Rahmon at Palace of President, the two sides inked eight MoUs in various fields including political relations, strategic research, agriculture, renewable energy, traditional medicine, space technology, youth affairs, and disaster management.

Tajikistan was the first country in Central Asia to host Farkhor Air Base, making India to be the 4th country after the US, Russia and Germany to have a military base which is very close to the Afghan border.

In 2002, the two sides had signed an agreement to establish India’s presence at the Farkhor Air Base.

One of the biggest challenges India faces in expanding ties with Central Asia region is the connectivity.

In order to improve trade in the region, New Delhi has been talking to the countries in the region to improve both land and sea connectivity.

In a joint statement issued between the leaders of the two countries, the two sides have agreed to work together with regional partners to establish necessary transport mechanisms based on international norms.

According to Ambassador P Stobdan, Senior Fellow, IDSA, India has invested in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar project in Iran which are close to becoming a reality.

India and Tajikistan are keen to have more regular flights between the two countries.

President Rahmon of Tajikistan has thanked India for the Fifth Freedom Rights granted by the Indian authorities to Tajik air operators.

It was also agreed that India will do feasibility study of solar projects in seven villages of that country as requested by the administration.