Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. (2024, 10 Marks)

Paper	GS Paper 2
Word Limit	150 words
Syllabus Topic	India and its Neighbourhood – Central Asia

Model Answer

The five Central Asian Republics (CARs) are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. India sees them as its extended neighbourhood, guided by the Connect Central Asia policy (2012).

Evolving Relations

• Diplomatic: First India–Central Asia Summit (2022); India joined the SCO as full member in 2017.
• Economic: Uranium from Kazakhstan; TAPI gas pipeline planned.
• Connectivity: Chabahar port, INSTC and the Ashgabat Agreement.
• Strategic: Joint fight against terrorism, radicalism and drug trade from Afghanistan.

Limitations

• No direct land access due to Pakistan; trade remains low.
• China’s BRI and Russia’s influence dominate the region.
• Instability in Afghanistan hurts connectivity.

Growing Significance

• Rich in energy and critical minerals; key to Eurasian security and a check on China.

Conclusion

With better connectivity and trade, Central Asia can become a strategic partner in India’s rise as a balancing power in Eurasia.

Related PYQs

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• ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (2023)

Also read: Energy security and India’s foreign policy (GS2 2025)