India’s Connect Central Asia Policy

India’s Connect Central Asia Policy: Strengthening Ties in a Strategic Region

GS-2, Unit-3, Sub Unit-1, HPAS Mains

In 2012, India launched its “Connect Central Asia Policy”, marking a significant step in New Delhi’s efforts to deepen its engagement with the Central Asian region. This initiative reflected India’s recognition of Central Asia’s growing geopolitical, economic, and energy significance. Spanning five countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—Central Asia is rich in natural resources, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and has been historically linked with India through culture, trade, and religious ties. The Connect Central Asia Policy aimed to revive these historic bonds and position India as a proactive partner in regional development, security, and economic cooperation.

Objectives of the Connect Central Asia Policy

The policy was designed with multi-dimensional objectives:

1. Economic and Trade Engagement: Central Asia possesses abundant energy resources, including oil, natural gas, and uranium. India’s policy aimed to strengthen energy cooperation, attract investments, and facilitate trade. India recognized the potential of Central Asia not only as a source of energy but also as a market for its goods and services.
2. Political and Strategic Cooperation: Central Asia is strategically located near Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and Russia. By deepening ties with Central Asian nations, India sought to enhance its regional influence, counterbalance growing Chinese presence, and strengthen security collaboration, especially in areas related to terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking.
3. Connectivity and Infrastructure Development: India identified connectivity as a key driver for regional integration. This included supporting projects that link Central Asia with India through road, rail, and air networks, as well as participating in regional initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
4. Cultural and Educational Exchange: The policy aimed to revive historical and cultural links between India and Central Asia, rooted in shared traditions, the spread of Buddhism, and the Silk Route heritage. Educational scholarships, academic exchanges, and cultural programs were envisioned to enhance people-to-people contacts.
5. Science, Technology, and Capacity Building: India sought to share its expertise in areas such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and renewable energy, contributing to sustainable development in the Central Asian nations.

Implementation of the Policy

Since its launch, India has actively engaged with Central Asia through a combination of bilateral visits, regional summits, and multilateral forums. The annual India-Central Asia Dialogue provides a platform for discussing security, trade, and cultural cooperation. Key initiatives include:

• Energy Collaboration: India signed agreements with Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan for natural gas imports and invested in hydrocarbon projects.
• Connectivity Projects: India has been actively promoting the INSTC, which offers a shorter trade route connecting India to Central Asia and Europe via Iran and the Caspian Sea.
• Educational and Cultural Programs: India increased scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program and facilitated cultural festivals celebrating shared heritage.
• Strategic Cooperation: India has partnered with Central Asian nations in counter-terrorism efforts, military training, and intelligence sharing.

Relevance in Present-Day Geopolitics

More than a decade since its launch, the Connect Central Asia Policy has gained renewed importance. Several contemporary factors underline its relevance:

1. Geopolitical Competition: Central Asia is a focal point of global competition, with China advancing its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Russia maintaining historical influence. India’s proactive engagement allows it to assert its presence, ensuring strategic balance in the region.
2. Energy Security: India’s growing energy needs make Central Asia critical. Countries like Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are potential partners in diversifying India’s energy imports, reducing dependence on the Middle East.
3. Regional Stability and Security: The instability in Afghanistan, particularly after the Taliban’s return to power, has heightened India’s interest in Central Asia as a partner in regional security and counter-terrorism. Cooperative frameworks with Central Asian nations are vital to prevent extremist spillovers and ensure peace in South and Central Asia.
4. Trade and Connectivity Opportunities: Improved connectivity through INSTC and potential rail-road corridors can boost trade between India and Central Asia, opening up markets in Europe and Central Asia. This is aligned with India’s ambition to become a hub in regional trade networks.
5. Technology and Knowledge Partnerships: Central Asian nations increasingly seek India’s expertise in areas like IT, agriculture, healthcare, and renewable energy. Knowledge-sharing initiatives help India enhance its soft power while contributing to regional development.
6. Cultural and Historical Ties: Reviving people-to-people contacts and cultural linkages strengthens long-term diplomatic relations. Central Asia’s historical ties with India, particularly in art, architecture, and religion, provide a foundation for deepening mutual trust and understanding.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite its promise, India’s Connect Central Asia Policy faces challenges:

• Geographical Constraints: Lack of direct land connectivity via Pakistan limits India’s access to Central Asia. Projects like the INSTC and Chabahar port in Iran are crucial but require consistent investment and collaboration.
• Regional Competition: China’s extensive investments through BRI and Russia’s influence present competitive pressures. India needs to maintain a balanced approach to navigate this multipolar landscape.
• Economic Engagement: Trade between India and Central Asia remains limited relative to potential. Enhancing economic diplomacy, easing trade barriers, and investing in joint ventures can unlock opportunities.

Moving forward, India must focus on infrastructure development, energy cooperation, technology transfer, and cultural diplomacy to fully realize the objectives of this policy. Strengthening multilateral engagements with Central Asian nations through organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Eurasian Economic Union can also help consolidate India’s position in the region.

Conclusion

India’s Connect Central Asia Policy, launched in 2012, is a forward-looking initiative that recognizes the strategic, economic, and cultural importance of Central Asia. In an era of global uncertainty, energy transitions, and regional competition, the policy remains highly relevant. By deepening trade, enhancing connectivity, and fostering security and cultural cooperation, India can transform Central Asia from a region of opportunity into a robust partner, securing its long-term strategic and economic interests.

The policy underscores India’s vision of a multipolar world where regional cooperation, shared prosperity, and security go hand in hand. In a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, the Connect Central Asia Policy is not just a strategy—it is a roadmap for India to expand its influence, build alliances, and contribute to regional stability and development.