Davronov Nuriddin (12th minute), Fatkhuloev Fatkhullo (18th minute) and Akhtam Khamrakulov (90+3) scored for the home team at the 20 Years of Independence Stadium.
Indian team playing an international friendly after a long gap gave a poor account of themselves as Tajikistan looked a far better side in front of 10,000 odd spectators who came in support of the national team.
Tajik players used the wide areas to good effect as they made forays from the flank. India No 2 custodian Sandeep Nandy, who is nearly 39 years old also wasn't in his element.
Conceding an early goal made matters worse for Wim Koevermans' boys who were without two of their best players Syed Rahim Nabi and Subrata Paul --- both dropped from squad from not doing pre-season training.
More From This Section
Tajikistan went up by 2-0 when Vasiev Dilshod dodged past Nirmal Chettri but the latter brought him down just outside the box. Fatkhullo, whose assisted during the first goal curled one perfectly as the ageing Nandy's desperate late dive wasn't enough to prevent a second goal.
However the shot was directed straight at the goalie and Tuychiev Alisher didn't have any problems in punching the ball away.
Age seemed to have caught up with Nandy as the near 40 custodian pulled up a muscle and was replaced by Karanjeet Singh just at the stroke of half-time.