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

Introduction:

India’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – have evolved significantly, driven by mutual interests in energy security, trade, and regional stability. It has gained momentum, due to their strategic location, abundant resources, and growing significance in regional and global geopolitics.

However, it has faced significant challenges in gaining the desired momentum:

1. Diplomatic –  it lacked sustained focus, with sporadic high-level engagements and limited follow-up on agreements.
2. Economic-   (a)Trade volumes are low, (b)Projects like the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline have faced delays due to geopolitical instability and security concerns in Afghanistan, (c)Connectivity remains a major barrier – India  lacks direct access to the region Eg Chabahar port (Iran)  was envisioned as a solution but  to bypass Pakistan and establish a robust trade corridor with Central Asia is a challenge.
3. Strategic Relations: (a)  China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has significantly expanded its influence in the region. (b) India’s involvement in regional infrastructure projects has been minimal compared to China’s large-scale investments.

Conclusion

While India’s relationship with CARs has evolved over time, it has not gained the momentum needed to fully realise the potential of this partnership. Connectivity challenges, limited economic engagement, and China’s dominant presence have all contributed to the slow pace of progress in strengthening ties.

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