India's Engagement with Central Asia: A Development-Centric Approach
Amid changing dynamics in Central Asia, marked by Iran's entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, and increased Taliban engagement with regional powers, new opportunities arise for India to deepen its engagement with Central Asian Republics (CARs), especially in the development sector.
Historical Context and Strategic Interests
Central Asia has long been significant to India due to historical civilizational linkages and cultural connections.
- Post-Soviet Union breakup presented new geopolitical realities and economic opportunities, influencing India's approach.
- Opportunities for energy imports, trade, and transit arose with new independent states.
- Strategic interests were heightened by concerns over religious fundamentalism, Afghanistan's instability, and China's growing influence.
India's Strategic Initiatives
- Strategic partnerships with Kazakhstan (2009), Uzbekistan (2011), and Tajikistan (2012).
- Launch of the 12-point ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy in 2012 to enhance political, security, economic, and cultural ties.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in 2015, resulting in 22 agreements with Central Asian states.
- India's full membership in SCO in 2017 and initiation of the foreign minister-level ‘India–Central Asia Dialogue’ in 2019.
Challenges and Connectivity Efforts
Despite close political ties, India's commercial engagement with Central Asia is limited due to:
- An unstable Afghanistan and strained India–Pakistan relations obstructing direct connectivity.
- Efforts to establish alternative routes through Russia and Iran via the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- Key infrastructure projects, such as the Zaranj–Delaram road in Afghanistan and Chabahar Port in Iran, were developed to enhance access.
Development Cooperation as a Central Theme
- Establishment of the India–Central Asia Development Group and the India–Central Asia Business Council.
- Launch of a US$1 billion line of credit for development projects in infrastructure, IT, energy, and agriculture.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Despite challenges related to direct connectivity and customs procedures, efforts are underway to enhance engagement:
- Focus on sectors such as uranium, crude oil, gas, mining, coal, and fertilizers.
- Potential growth in tourism and education sectors.
- India's offer to share its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) platforms, such as Aadhaar and DigiLocker, with Central Asian countries.
Conclusion
The India–Central Asia Dialogue has evolved as a strategic tool for New Delhi to enhance regional outreach, with development cooperation and capacity building becoming central to India's engagement strategy in Central Asia.