MERI CIS-led India-Tajikistan Road Expedition begins in Dushanbe, exploring connectivity, trade, culture, education and new areas of bilateral cooperation.
Dushanbe, Tajikistan: The MERI Centre for International Studies-led India-Tajikistan Road Expedition began in Dushanbe with Indian Ambassador to Tajikistan Shri Rajesh Uike flagging off the initiative at Ismoil Somoni Square.
The expedition aims to deepen India-Tajikistan relations by promoting people-to-people connections, academic engagement, cultural understanding and institutional dialogue.
The flag-off ceremony brought together 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 members of the media.
The dignitaries appreciated the expedition and highlighted its potential to strengthen links between institutions and people in both countries. Mr Lukmon Bobobkalonzoda, Ambassador of Tajikistan to India, also extended his best wishes to the expedition team.
The initiative comes shortly after Tajikistan marked the 35th anniversary of its independence on September 9, 2026. The expedition seeks to build further momentum in the historical, cultural, academic and economic relationship between India and Tajikistan.
MERI CIS Leads Field Expedition
Prof. (Dr.) Ramakant Dwivedi, Head of MERI CIS and Director of the India-Central Asia Foundation, is leading the expedition.
Prof. Lalit Aggarwal, Vice-President of MERI Group of Institutions, and Mr Luv Aggarwal are also members of the expedition team.
The road and driving expedition will continue across Tajikistan until September 21. The team will combine field travel, regional assessment and interactions with institutions and stakeholders to understand the country’s connectivity, economic potential and cultural landscape.
Focus on Transport Corridors and Trade
The expedition will examine the importance of transport corridors in the evolving regional context. The team will assess India’s interests in Tajikistan and Tajikistan’s interests in India to identify areas of mutual benefit.
The initiative will also explore ways to expand bilateral and multilateral trade and commerce.
MERI CIS is managing the expedition and coordinating with relevant ministries, embassies and other stakeholders.
Expedition Route Covers Tajikistan’s Major Regions
The planned route includes Dushanbe, Bukhtar (Ajina Teppe), Kulob, Darvoz, Khorog, Iskashim, Qalai Khunmb, Danghra, Nurek, Iskanderkul Lake, Panjikent and Khojent before the team returns to Dushanbe.
The extensive journey will give participants an opportunity to observe Tajikistan’s diverse geography, transport connectivity, cultural heritage and regional economic potential.
Strengthening India-Central Asia Relations
The expedition seeks to deepen India-Central Asia engagement through field research, academic interaction, cultural exchange and institutional cooperation.
MERI CIS aims to use the initiative to identify new opportunities in trade, connectivity, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges while strengthening the broader India-Tajikistan relationship.
