[1] In 1996–97, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) started negotiations with Tajikistan to use the Farkhor Air Base to transport high-altitude military supplies to the Afghan Northern Alliance, service their helicopters and gather intelligence.

At that time, India operated a small military hospital in the Farkhor region.

[1] The hospital at Farkhor was used to treat Afghan Northern Alliance members injured in fighting with the Taliban, including military leader Ahmed Shah Massoud, who was rushed there after a suicide attack against him.

The Indian Government awarded a $10 million tender to a private builder in 2003 to restore the airbase by 2005.

[citation needed] The Farkhor Air Base would have given the Indian Armed Forces more depth and range and is a tangible manifestation of India's move to project its power in Central Asia.