Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Tajikistan on October 9, 2025, for a rare summit with Central Asian leaders, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, marking only the second such gathering since the fall of the Soviet Union.

The summit aims to reinforce Russia's strategic influence in the region amid growing competition from China, Europe, and Turkey, with Putin emphasizing the importance of trade and political ties with Central Asian countries.

Tajikistan, under long-serving leader Emomali Rakhmon, continues to maintain close military, economic, and political ties with Russia, including hosting a strategic military base near Afghanistan.

The event also includes a Russia-Central Asia summit and a broader CIS meeting with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus, highlighting Moscow's efforts to bolster regional cooperation.

Russia's influence in Central Asia has declined over recent years, with countries like Kazakhstan adopting a cautious stance regarding Moscow's actions in Ukraine and seeking to balance regional interests.

Despite this decline, Russia remains a key economic and military partner for Tajikistan, which has signed numerous bilateral agreements and relies heavily on Russian investments and trade.

Russia's regional influence is challenged by the rising presence of China, driven by infrastructure projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, and regional countries' desire for sovereignty.

Most Central Asian nations aim to maintain independence from both Russia and China, actively seeking diversified partnerships with the EU, Turkey, and China for trade and security.

Since the Ukraine conflict, Russia has increased its economic footprint in Central Asia, with Russian firms expanding and more gas flowing into the region, despite regional shifts.

Tajikistan, with its strategic border with Afghanistan, remains a vital Russian ally, hosting a significant military base and maintaining close cooperation with Moscow.

While Tajikistan's leader Rakhmon has a warrant for Putin's arrest over alleged war crimes, the close political and military ties prevent any action against him.

Putin’s visit aims to stabilize Russia’s influence in the region amid increasing competition from China, Turkey, and Western powers, though tangible outcomes remain uncertain.