The Central Asian Region (CAR), comprising the five CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—forms the “strategic backyard” of India’s extended neighborhood. In the era of shifting Eurasian geopolitics, the relationship has evolved from historical cultural ties to a robust India-Central Asia strategy focused on energy security and regional stability.
Brief Background
Historically, the Silk Road connected India with Central Asia, fostering a rich exchange of goods, Buddhist philosophy, and art. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, India was among the first to recognize these CIS countries UPSC as independent nations. However, the lack of direct land access due to geopolitical barriers in Pakistan and Afghanistan has historically limited the pace of economic engagement.
Strategic Importance of Central Asia
Central Asia is the “pivot of Asia,” situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
- Geopolitically: It is a buffer zone between major powers like Russia, China, and the West.
- Energy Hub: The region is home to some of the world’s largest undeveloped oil, natural gas, and uranium reserves.
- Security: Stability in Central Asia is directly linked to the security of South Asia, particularly in countering radicalization, drug trafficking, and terrorism.
India’s Interests in the Region
- Energy Security: Kazakhstan is India’s largest supplier of uranium, while Turkmenistan’s gas reserves are vital for the TAPI pipeline.
- Economic Market: The region offers a massive market for Indian pharmaceuticals, IT services, and tea.
- Counter-Terrorism: Cooperation to stabilize Afghanistan and prevent the spillover of extremism into the Indian subcontinent.
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Defense & Security: Joint military exercises like KAZIND (with Kazakhstan) and DUSTLIK (with Uzbekistan).
- Connectivity: Development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the use of Chabahar Port in Iran.
- Developmental Partnership: India has extended a $1 billion Line of Credit for various infrastructure and digital projects in the region.
- Education and Health: India is a preferred destination for Central Asian students and medical tourists.
Recent Developments
- First India-Central Asia Summit: The institutionalization of the summit-level dialogue has elevated India-Central Asia relations UPSC to a strategic pinnacle.
- Focus on Ashgabat Agreement: India’s accession to this agreement facilitates easier transit of goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.
- Joint Working Group on Afghanistan: Regular consultations between India and Central Asian NSAs to monitor the security situation in Kabul.
Challenges for India
- Lack of Direct Connectivity: The “geography of conflict” (Pakistan/Afghanistan) remains the biggest hurdle for trade.
- China’s Dominance: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the “C+C5” (China + 5 Central Asian countries) forum have given Beijing a significant head start in infrastructure and finance.
- Russia’s Influence: Russia remains the traditional security guarantor of the CIS countries, necessitating a delicate balancing act for New Delhi.
Importance for India’s Foreign Policy
Central Asia is a vital pillar of India’s “Extended Neighborhood Policy.”
- Strategic Autonomy: Engaging with CAR allows India to balance the influence of China and Pakistan in Eurasia.
- Eurasian Integration: Stronger ties with these nations facilitate India’s active participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Way Forward
- Operationalizing INSTC: Completing the rail links between Iran and the CAR to bypass land barriers.
- Digital Silk Road: Leveraging India’s strength in FinTech (UPI) and Digital Public Infrastructure to build “soft connectivity.”
- B2B Engagement: Strengthening the India-Central Asia Business Council to move beyond government-to-government deals.
- Air Corridors: Establishing dedicated air freight corridors to boost trade in perishable goods and high-value electronics.
Conclusion
The India-Central Asia strategy is no longer a choice but a necessity for India’s rise as a global power. By focusing on connectivity, commerce, and capacity building, India can reclaim its historical role as a partner of choice for the CIS countries. In the high-stakes game of Eurasian geopolitics, a stable and prosperous Central Asia is the key to India’s long-term security and energy independence.
UPSC Prelims: PYQs & Practice Questions
Previous Year Questions (Prelims)
Q1. [UPSC Prelims 2022]
Q: Consider the following pairs:
Region often mentioned in the news — Country
1. Anatolia — Turkey
2. Amhara — Ethiopia
3. Cabo Delgado — Spain
4. Catalonia — Italy
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
Answer: (b) Only two pairs
Explanation:
Anatolia is correctly matched with Turkey, and Amhara is correctly matched with Ethiopia. Cabo Delgado is a province in Mozambique, not Spain, and Catalonia is in Spain, not Italy. Hence, only two pairs are correctly matched.
Q: Which of the following is/are the member(s) of the 'Ashgabat Agreement'?
1. India
2. Kazakhstan
3. Pakistan
4. Iran
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Explanation:
The Ashgabat Agreement is a multimodal transport corridor arrangement aimed at improving connectivity between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. India joined the agreement in 2018. Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Iran are also members, making all four listed countries correct.
Practice Questions
Q1.
Q: The 'Tashkent Declaration' (1966) was signed between India and Pakistan in which modern-day CIS country? (History-linked IR)
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Tajikistan
(c) Uzbekistan
(d) Turkmenistan
Answer: (c) Uzbekistan
Explanation:
The Tashkent Declaration was signed in Tashkent, the capital of present-day Uzbekistan, in January 1966 after the 1965 Indo-Pak war. It is historically significant as an example of India’s early diplomatic engagement in the broader Central Asian region.
UPSC Mains – Previous Year & Practice Questions
Mains Previous Year Questions
Q1. [UPSC CSE Mains 2021]
Question: Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization). What importance does it hold for India?
Q2. [Modified from 2018 trend]
Question: Discuss the implications of India joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.
Q3. [UPSC CSE Mains 2016]
Question: Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
Q4. [Based on 2014 trend]
Question: The question of India's Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India's economic progress. Analyze with reference to Central Asia.
Q5. [Based on 2021–22 trend]
Question: Analyze the impact of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan on India-Central Asia relations.
Mains Practice Questions
Q1. [15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: "Central Asia is the 'pivot' of India’s Eurasian strategy. Discuss the challenges posed by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in this region."
Q2. [10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: Examine the significance of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as an alternative to the traditional Suez Canal route for India-CIS trade.
Q3. [15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: "Despite civilizational ties, India's trade with Central Asia remains below $2 billion. Suggest measures to bridge the 'connectivity deficit'."
India-Central Asia Relations-fAQs
Which Central Asian country is the largest supplier of Uranium to India?
Kazakhstan. It has been a reliable partner for India’s civil nuclear program, providing over 5,000 tonnes of uranium since 2015.
What is the 'Connect Central Asia' Policy?
Launched in 2012, it is a comprehensive strategy focusing on political, security, economic, and cultural connections. It involves high-level visits, strategic partnerships, and e-network projects in health and education.
What are the 'DUSTLIK' and 'KAZIND' exercises?
These are bilateral military exercises. DUSTLIK is with Uzbekistan, and KAZIND is with Kazakhstan. They focus on counter-terrorism and mountain warfare.
Why is the 'Fergana Valley' considered a security challenge?
It is a fertile valley spread across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Its complex borders (enclaves and exclaves) make it a hotbed for ethnic conflicts and radicalization, impacting regional stability.
What is the status of the TAPI Pipeline?
The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline is a major energy project. While infrastructure in Turkmenistan is largely ready, it remains stalled due to security instability in Afghanistan and financing issues.
