India-Central Asia Relations

India-Central Asia Relations

Context:

Due to the rising costs in Europe and the increasingly cumbersome visa procedures, Central Asia has become a leading choice for Indian travellers looking for cost-effective international vacations. 

Central Asia is a subregion of Asia extending from the Caspian Sea in the southwest and Eastern Europe in the northwest to Western China and Mongolia in the east, and from Afghanistan and Iran in the south to Russia in the north. This area encompasses Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Historical Ties 

• Ancient Trade: The Silk Road facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between India and Central Asia. 
• Buddhism and Hinduism: Buddhism and Hinduism, originating in India, spread to Central Asia along the Silk Road. 
• Persian Influence: Persian culture and language also influenced Central Asia and India. The Persian Empire, which extended into Central Asia, introduced Persian literature, art, and architecture to the region.
• Mongol Conquests: The Mongol invasions of the 13th century had a significant impact on both India and Central Asia. The Mongols conquered vast territories, including parts of India and Central Asia.
• In 1526, Babur journeyed from the fertile Fergana Valley (the “food bowl” of Central Asia) to the arid town of Panipat, where he established the powerful Mughal rule in India. 
• British Colonial Rule: During the British colonial period, India and Central Asia were under British rule, which led to increased contact between the two regions.

Contemporary Ties

• India’s contemporary relations with Central Asia have evolved significantly in recent years, marked by diplomatic engagements, cultural exchanges, and economic initiatives. This relationship is rooted in historical ties dating back to the Silk Route and has gained renewed focus since the independence of Central Asian countries in 1991.
• The first India-Central Asia Summit was held virtually in January 2022, attended by leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. 
• This summit celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations and established a framework for future cooperation, including regular meetings at various ministerial levels and the proposal to create an “India-Central Asia Centre” in New Delhi to facilitate ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

India-Central Asia Dialogue

• It is a ministerial-level platform for discussions between India and the Central Asian countries. The dialogue aims to enhance cooperation between India and Central Asia across various sectors, including trade, connectivity, security, culture, and people-to-people ties.
• The first India-Central Asia Dialogue was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in January 2019.
• The second dialogue took place virtually in October 2020.
• The third dialogue, which was attended by the foreign ministers of the participating countries, was held in New Delhi in December 2021.
  • • During the third dialogue, the countries agreed to institutionalise the summit mechanism, holding it every two years.
    • They also agreed to establish an India-Central Asia Secretariat in New Delhi to facilitate ongoing dialogue and cooperation.
• The fourth dialogue, held in Uzbekistan in April 2023, was conducted in a track 1.5 format with participation from governmental representatives.

• Economic Initiatives: India’s strategic interests in Central Asia are bolstered by initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which aims to enhance connectivity between India, Iran, and Russia. This corridor is pivotal for improving trade routes and reducing transportation costs, thereby fostering economic ties.
• Moreover, India has engaged in infrastructure projects, including renovating the Chabahar Port in Iran, which serves as a gateway for Indian goods to Central Asia. 
• The TAPI pipeline is a significant step towards enhancing energy security and economic ties. Additionally, the uranium supply agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan underscore India’s growing energy needs and the importance of Central Asia as a strategic partner. 
• India’s ‘Connect Central Asia’ Policy is a broad-based approach, including political, security, economic and cultural connections. 
• Cultural and Educational Cooperation: Cultural ties remain a cornerstone of India-Central Asia relations. India leverages its soft power through cultural diplomacy, including the promotion of classical arts, Bollywood films, and educational exchanges. 
• The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program provides training and technical assistance, fostering goodwill and deeper connections between the peoples of India and Central Asia.
• Security Concerns: Security cooperation is increasingly important, given the geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly concerning Afghanistan and the influence of neighbouring powers like China and Russia. 
• India and Central Asian countries share concerns over terrorism and regional stability, which has led to collaborative efforts under frameworks like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
• India’s active participation in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) reflects its commitment to regional cooperation and stability.
• The signing of the Indo-Kazakh Nuclear Co-operation Agreement is one of the historic agreements between India and Central Asian Republics. 

Challenges

• Geopolitical Competition: India competes with other major powers, such as China and Russia, to gain influence in Central Asia. This competition can sometimes lead to tensions and difficulties in coordinating regional initiatives.
• Infrastructure Development: The region faces significant infrastructure challenges, such as poor transportation links and limited energy resources. These challenges can hinder economic development and cooperation.
• Physical connectivity with Central Asia faces challenges due to Pakistan’s hostility and the instability in Afghanistan, which complicate efforts to establish consistent and reliable links in the region.
• Internal Challenges: Some Central Asian countries face internal challenges, such as political instability, ethnic tensions, and corruption. These issues can affect their ability to engage with India and other partners.
• The region’s porous borders, rampant corruption, and close proximity to major opium-producing areas like the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle have made it a hub for drug and money trafficking.
• Fundamentalism has been a growing concern in Central Asia. This phenomenon has significant implications for the region and neighbouring countries, including India.
• Cultural Differences: Despite their shared history and cultural ties, there are still cultural differences between India and Central Asia. These differences can sometimes create misunderstandings and difficulties in communication.
• Economic Disparity: There is a significant economic disparity between India and some Central Asian countries. This can make it difficult to find mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
• India’s Policy: India’s “Look East” policy has led to a focus on channeling its economic and diplomatic resources towards Southeast and East Asia.
• India-Central Asia relations have witnessed a significant evolution in recent years, driven by historical ties, economic interests, and strategic considerations. By addressing the challenges and building on the existing strengths, India and Central Asia can forge a strong and mutually beneficial partnership that contributes to regional stability, prosperity, and global development.