Q10. Critically analyze India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. (Answer in 150 words)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Introduction:
Recently India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) participated in the first India-Central Asia Dialogue in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan. Five countries from Central Asia participated in the dialogue- Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
Body:
Diplomatic Engagement:
• High-Level Visits and Bilateral Dialogues: India has intensified its diplomatic outreach to CARs through high-level visits and bilateral dialogues, reflecting its commitment to strengthening ties. Example: In 2021, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, enhancing diplomatic engagements and signing various agreements.
• Example: In 2021, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, enhancing diplomatic engagements and signing various agreements.
• Cultural and Historical Ties: India leverages historical and cultural connections, fostering goodwill through initiatives like educational scholarships and cultural exchanges. Example: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has offered scholarships to students from CARs to study in India, promoting people-to-people contacts.
• Example: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has offered scholarships to students from CARs to study in India, promoting people-to-people contacts.
• Counter-Terrorism and Security: India collaborates with CARs on counter-terrorism initiatives, addressing shared concerns about security and extremism in the region. Example: India has participated in joint military exercises with CARs, such as the Peace Mission exercises under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
• Example: India has participated in joint military exercises with CARs, such as the Peace Mission exercises under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
• Geopolitical Significance: The strategic location of CARs makes them crucial in countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and in enhancing India’s influence in Eurasia. Example: India’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) emphasizes its strategic interests in maintaining stability and countering external influences.
• Example: India’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) emphasizes its strategic interests in maintaining stability and countering external influences.
Economic Relations:
• Trade and Investment: India aims to enhance trade relations with CARs to tap into their rich natural resources, especially in sectors like energy, minerals, and pharmaceuticals. Example: India has been active in developing projects in sectors like pharmaceuticals and textiles in Uzbekistan, aiming for increased trade volumes.
• Example: India has been active in developing projects in sectors like pharmaceuticals and textiles in Uzbekistan, aiming for increased trade volumes.
• Energy Security: CARs are significant for India’s energy security due to their vast reserves of oil and natural gas. Collaborative energy projects are being prioritized. Example: The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) aims to facilitate trade and energy flow from CARs to India, reducing dependence on traditional routes.
• Example: The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) aims to facilitate trade and energy flow from CARs to India, reducing dependence on traditional routes.
• Transport and Trade Routes: India is actively working to establish better connectivity with CARs through various transport initiatives, enhancing trade and mobility. Example: The Ashgabat Agreement on International Transport and Transit Corridor aims to enhance connectivity between India, Iran, and CARs, facilitating smoother trade routes.
• Example: The Ashgabat Agreement on International Transport and Transit Corridor aims to enhance connectivity between India, Iran, and CARs, facilitating smoother trade routes.
• Railway and Infrastructure Projects: Investment in infrastructure projects in CARs enhances regional connectivity and supports economic growth in both India and the Central Asian region. Example: India is involved in the construction of the Zaranj-Delaram highway in Afghanistan, linking Central Asia with the Indian subcontinent.
• Example: India is involved in the construction of the Zaranj-Delaram highway in Afghanistan, linking Central Asia with the Indian subcontinent.
Challenges in Relations:
• Geopolitical Rivalries: India’s relations with CARs are complicated by the geopolitical rivalry between major powers. Example: CARs have historically leaned towards Russia for security and China for economic support, creating a challenge for India’s influence in the region.
• Example: CARs have historically leaned towards Russia for security and China for economic support, creating a challenge for India’s influence in the region.
• Limited Presence and Awareness: India’s limited historical presence and lesser-known profile in the region compared to China poses a challenge in establishing stronger ties. Example: Compared to China’s extensive investments in infrastructure and trade in CARs, India’s presence remains relatively modest, necessitating more aggressive outreach.
• Example: Compared to China’s extensive investments in infrastructure and trade in CARs, India’s presence remains relatively modest, necessitating more aggressive outreach.
• Economic Competition with China: China’s deep investments and strategic partnerships in the CARs create significant competition for India, complicating efforts to gain economic footholds. Example: China’s Belt and Road Initiative has led to substantial infrastructure investments, making it difficult for India to match these offers in terms of scale and funding.
• Example: China’s Belt and Road Initiative has led to substantial infrastructure investments, making it difficult for India to match these offers in terms of scale and funding.
• Infrastructure Limitations: Insufficient transport and logistics infrastructure connecting India with CARs hampers trade and economic integration. Example: The lack of direct shipping routes and reliable overland transport limits India’s ability to engage robustly in trade with Central Asian markets.
• Example: The lack of direct shipping routes and reliable overland transport limits India’s ability to engage robustly in trade with Central Asian markets.
• Political Instability in Neighboring Regions: Political instability in Afghanistan and surrounding areas affects India’s strategic ambitions in CARs, as it complicates security and connectivity efforts. Example: The resurgence of the Taliban has raised concerns about security in the region, affecting India’s plans for investment and cooperation in Central Asia.
• Example: The resurgence of the Taliban has raised concerns about security in the region, affecting India’s plans for investment and cooperation in Central Asia.
Conclusion:
India should be fully mindful of its historic Silk Route ties with Central Asia, and try to make an entry into the largely untapped energy potential of the region. In this regard, ‘Connect Central Asia’ Policy is a very comprehensive policy which includes political, security, economic and cultural cooperation.