India-Central Asia Relations - Connect Central Asia Policy and Strategic Partnership

India-Central Asia Relations - Connect Central Asia Policy and Strategic Partnership

Central Asia matters for India for three very simple reasons: (1) it sits at the heart of Eurasia and influences regional security, (2) it has energy and critical mineral resources needed for a growing Indian economy, and (3) it is the main land bridge for India's longer-term connectivity to Russia, Europe and the wider Eurasian market.

India calls Central Asia part of its "extended neighbourhood". In the last few years, India has upgraded engagement from mainly bilateral visits to a clear regional framework: Leaders' Summit, annual Foreign Ministers' Dialogue, Business Council, National Security consultations, and focused Working Groups on Afghanistan and Chabahar connectivity.

This article explains India's approach in an exam-ready way, with a special focus on the Connect Central Asia Policy (2012) and the idea of a broader strategic partnership with the five Central Asian Republics (CARs): Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

1) Why Central Asia is Important for India and for UPSC

1.1 Strategic Reasons (Security + Geopolitics)

• Afghanistan spillover: Instability, terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking can impact the wider region, including India. India and CARs run dedicated consultations and a Joint Working Group on Afghanistan.
• Counter-terrorism cooperation: India and CARs repeatedly highlight cooperation against terrorism and have collectively called for stronger UN-led counter-terror frameworks and early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
• Great power competition: Central Asia is influenced by Russia's historic role, China's economic footprint, and increasing engagement by the EU, US, Turkey, Iran and others. India needs a balanced, realistic strategy.

1.2 Economic Reasons (Trade + Energy + Minerals)

• Trade is growing but still small: A joint analysis by Eurasian Development Bank and India Exim Bank notes India–Central Asia trade is about $1.7 billion, after growing multiple times since 2010; pharmaceuticals are a key Indian export.
• Energy security: Central Asia has oil, gas, uranium, hydropower and renewables potential. India's policy discussions have repeatedly linked Central Asia to India's energy plans (example: TAPI discussions).
• Critical minerals: India and CARs agreed to explore cooperation in rare earth and critical minerals, and they referenced a dedicated India–Central Asia Rare Earth Forum.

1.3 Connectivity Reasons (The Core Constraint)

India does not share a border with Central Asia. Land connectivity is blocked by geography and politics, so India must rely on multi-modal corridors: ports, rail routes, road links, customs facilitation, and banking/payment connectivity. India's policy documents openly acknowledge limited land connectivity as a key obstacle.

Prelims Angle

• CARs: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
• Key mechanisms: India-Central Asia Summit (2022), India-Central Asia Dialogue (since 2019), ICABC (Business Council), JWG on Afghanistan, JWG on Chabahar.

Mains Angle

• Write answers using a triangle: Security (terror/drugs/Afghanistan), Connectivity (INSTC–Chabahar–Ashgabat), Economy (trade, energy, minerals, digital). Use examples and constraints.

2) Central Asia at a Glance

Central Asia is a landlocked region between Russia (north), China (east), Iran and Afghanistan (south-west/south), and the Caspian basin (west). It historically sat on Silk Route networks, which also explains strong cultural memory of India in some parts of the region.

3) Historical and Cultural Linkages: The "Soft Power" Base

India's relationship with Central Asia is not only about today's geopolitics. India's official statements highlight long civilizational contacts through trade routes and cultural exchanges. Indian cinema, music, dance and yoga also enjoy strong popularity in parts of the region.

What UPSC expects here

• Use one paragraph on "Silk Route + civilizational ties".
• Then shift quickly to "modern diplomacy after 1991" and "policy frameworks after 2012".

4) Evolution of India-Central Asia Relations: A Timeline (1991–2026)

5) Connect Central Asia Policy (2012): Meaning, Pillars and Tools

India's Connect Central Asia Policy is not a single project. It is a broad framework to reconnect with Central Asia through multiple lines: politics, security, trade, energy, education, healthcare, IT, connectivity corridors, banking and people-to-people ties.

5.1 Key Pillars (as articulated in India's approach)

• Political: high-level visits; regular interaction in bilateral and multilateral forums.
• Strategic & Security: military training, joint research, counter-terror coordination, consultations on Afghanistan.
• Multilateral engagement: using forums for joint outcomes (SCO and other Eurasian platforms were explicitly referenced in 2012 articulation).
• Economic & Energy: long-term partnership in energy and natural resources; cooperation in agriculture and value addition.
• Health and education: hospitals/clinics, medical cooperation, proposal to support a Central Asian University in Bishkek.
• Digital & e-connectivity: proposal for a Central Asian e-network for tele-education and tele-medicine.
• Connectivity corridors: reactivate and strengthen multi-modal corridors like INSTC and connecting spurs.
• Banking and payments: expand banking presence as a trade enabler.
• Air connectivity and tourism: improve flights, tourism promotion, easier mobility.
• Youth and people-to-people: student exchanges, scholars, cultural interaction.

5.2 Policy-to-Implementation Mapping

6) "Strategic Partnership" with Central Asia: What It Means

In IR answers, "strategic partnership" means cooperation across multiple sensitive sectors (security, defence, intelligence, connectivity, energy, technology) with high political trust. It is deeper than a normal friendly relationship, but it is not a military alliance.

India's approach is to build this partnership at two levels:

• Collective level: India-Central Asia Summit + India-Central Asia Dialogue + regional working groups and forums.
• Bilateral level: country-specific projects, defence training, education/health partnerships, investments and cultural centres.

Prelims Angle

• Remember dates: Connect Central Asia Policy (2012), 1st Dialogue (2019), 1st Summit (2022), 4th Dialogue (2025).

Mains Angle

• Use the "strategic partnership" idea to show: India is not competing for dominance; it is building multi-sector capacity-based cooperation with shared regional stability goals.

7) Institutional Architecture: How India Engages Central Asia Today

UPSC answers become strong when you show mechanisms (not just intentions). India-Central Asia engagement has matured into a layered architecture:

8) Security and Defence Cooperation

8.1 What are the common threats?

• Terrorism and extremism: Central Asia has faced extremist spillovers historically, and the Afghanistan factor keeps the issue alive.
• Drug trafficking: Routes through Afghanistan and the region create security and social challenges.
• Cyber and disinformation: India and CARs increasingly refer to misuse of cyberspace, terror financing, and the need for international coordination.

8.2 How is security cooperation operationalised?

India's approach is practical: training, intelligence coordination, capacity building, and exercises where available. India and CARs have also used institutional meetings (NSA consultations, Dialogue) to keep terrorism and Afghanistan coordination on the agenda.

8.3 Joint Military Exercises (Important for Prelims)

Prelims Angle

• KAZIND = India–Kazakhstan; KHANJAR = India–Kyrgyzstan; DUSTLIK = India–Uzbekistan.

Mains Angle

• Write that security cooperation is not only "military". It includes counter-terror financing, cyber capacity, border management, and Afghanistan humanitarian concerns.

9) Connectivity: The Hardest Problem, The Most Important Solution

9.1 Why connectivity is difficult

India's policy articulation itself notes that trade and economic links remain below potential partly due to limited land connectivity and other constraints. That is why India looks for innovative solutions through corridors and multi-modal transport.

9.2 The main connectivity tools

(A) INSTC + linked spurs

At the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue (June 2025), India and CARs explicitly stressed "optimum usage" of INSTC for connectivity. India also reiterated support for Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan's membership in INSTC and welcomed Kazakhstan's initiative to develop the eastern branch of INSTC.

(B) Chabahar Port as the gateway

Connectivity to Central Asia becomes credible when a port and a long-term operational arrangement exist. India and Iran signed a 10-year agreement in May 2024 for Chabahar operations and development, and official discussions with Central Asia include using the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar for trade.

(C) Ashgabat Agreement (Transit corridor)

India's accession to the Ashgabat Agreement entered into force on 3 February 2018. The agreement aims at facilitating transit and transportation of goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf—helping diversify India's connectivity options with the region.

(D) Trade facilitation (TIR Carnet, streamlined transit)

India and CARs have discussed simplifying transit and using mechanisms like TIR Carnet to streamline movement of goods between India and Central Asia.

Connectivity Projects Table (Use in Mains Answers)

10) Economic and Trade Partnership: Status and Potential

10.1 Current picture

A major issue is scale. Trade is improving, but remains far below potential. A joint analysis notes that India–Central Asia trade is about $1.7 billion and has grown significantly since 2010. Indian exports are dominated by pharmaceutical products (a large share of exports in 2023), and major buyers include Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

10.2 India's development partnership as an economic enabler

India has used development finance as a tool to build long-term goodwill and capabilities. In the ministerial Dialogue framework, India offered a US$ 1 billion Line of Credit for priority developmental projects (connectivity, energy, IT, healthcare, education, agriculture, etc.) and also offered grant assistance for High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP).

10.3 Priority sectors (exam-friendly)

• Pharmaceuticals and healthcare: Indian generics, hospital collaboration, medical tourism, telemedicine models.
• IT and digital services: training, e-governance tools, digital public infrastructure.
• Agriculture and food processing: value chains, storage, cold chains, agro-machinery.
• Textiles, gems and jewellery, engineering goods: mentioned as priority trade sectors in ministerial statements.
• Education: scholarships, skill-building, university partnerships.

10.4 Financial connectivity: the missing piece

Even when transport routes improve, trade does not scale without payments and banking channels. The 2025 Dialogue explicitly underlined digital payment systems, interbank links, and even trade in national currencies; it also referenced interest in creating a Joint Working Group for banking and financial connectivity.

Prelims Angle

• Remember the US$ 1 billion Line of Credit and HICDP grant mechanism (both referenced in ministerial Dialogue outcomes).

Mains Angle

• Use the "bottleneck logic": connectivity + banking + regulatory alignment are the real constraints, not only "lack of interest".

11) Energy, Minerals and Critical Resources

11.1 Traditional energy cooperation

Central Asia is important for India's energy diversification: hydrocarbons (especially natural gas), uranium for civil nuclear energy, and hydropower potential (especially in the mountainous CARs). India's policy articulation and later dialogues have referenced energy cooperation and regional projects like TAPI in the broader connectivity conversation.

11.2 Critical minerals: the emerging pillar

In the last few years, "strategic economy" has moved to the centre of foreign policy. In June 2025, India and CARs expressed interest in joint exploration of rare earth and critical minerals, referred to a Rare Earth Forum held in September 2024 in New Delhi, and encouraged delegations to explore new areas in critical minerals.

How to use this in GS2/GS3 answers

• GS2 (IR): Critical minerals cooperation shows strategic trust and diversification of relations beyond "security only".
• GS3 (Economy/Resources): Link to supply chains, manufacturing, clean energy transition and strategic autonomy.

12) Technology, Digital Public Infrastructure and Innovation

This is a strong "new-age" area for UPSC answers. The 2025 Dialogue noted the importance of India Stack for digital transformation and public service delivery at scale, and India agreed to assist Central Asian countries in developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). It also agreed to establish an India–Central Asia Digital Partnership Forum (with Uzbekistan offering to host the inaugural meeting).

Why DPI diplomacy is strategically smart

• Low-cost, high-impact: Digital public goods can scale governance quickly.
• Creates long-term interdependence: Standards, training, and platforms link institutions.
• Non-controversial: Compared to hard security, DPI is less sensitive but still strategic.

Prelims Angle

• India Stack + DPI + Digital Partnership Forum (India–Central Asia).

Mains Angle

• Use DPI cooperation as an example of India's "development partnership + tech diplomacy" model in the Global South context.

13) Development Partnership and Capacity Building

13.1 Key tools

• ITEC: Capacity building programmes; expansion of scope is regularly discussed.
• Line of Credit (LoC): US$ 1 billion for priority developmental projects (connectivity, energy, IT, healthcare, education, agriculture etc.).
• HICDP grants: High Impact Community Development Projects for socio-economic development.

13.2 "DAKSHIN" and Global South framing

In June 2025, India and CARs agreed to work closely with India's Global South Centre of Excellence "DAKSHIN" (Development and Knowledge Sharing Initiative) for learning from development experiences. This positions India–Central Asia cooperation as part of wider South–South cooperation.

14) People-to-People, Culture, Education and Tourism

India's cultural connect is a big asset. Official statements have referenced the popularity of Indian culture in Central Asia (including interest in cinema, music and arts) and the role of Indian Cultural Centres in strengthening cultural relations.

14.1 Practical steps discussed in the engagement framework

• Cultural cooperation: Culture Ministers meetings and cultural centres.
• Education: Scholarships, training programmes, university linkages; early policy articulation also included proposals like a Central Asian University in Bishkek.
• Healthcare and medical tourism: The 2025 Dialogue discussed health cooperation including medical tourism and possible healthcare working group; the earlier policy articulation also highlighted hospitals/clinics and telemedicine.

14.2 Air connectivity: the enabling layer

India's policy articulation explicitly pointed to improving air connectivity as a way to support tourism and exchanges. In real-world terms, better air links also support trade in high-value goods (pharma, medical devices, electronics) that depend on faster logistics.

15) Multilateral Platforms: SCO, UN, and Regional Forums

Central Asia is also a multilateral engagement space. In June 2025, CARs appreciated India's proactive engagement in SCO and even referenced outcomes of the SCO Heads of State meeting hosted by India in July 2023. CARs also reiterated support for India's permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.

For UPSC, the use of multilateral platforms helps you show "multi-alignment" and "issue-based coalitions" rather than region-by-region isolation.

Prelims Angle

• SCO engagement and UNSC reform support (as per Dialogue outcomes).

Mains Angle

• Show that India uses "minilateral + multilateral + bilateral" layers together to compensate for geography.

16) Key Challenges and Constraints

16.1 Connectivity and transit bottlenecks

• No direct land route: India's access is constrained; hence reliance on Chabahar/INSTC/Ashgabat options.
• Customs and logistics friction: Even with corridors, trade needs simplified transit procedures; this is why TIR Carnet and streamlining are discussed.

16.2 Afghanistan uncertainty

• Security and humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan affect the broader region, and India–Central Asia coordination has institutionalised a JWG to discuss these issues.

16.3 Competition and influence dynamics

• China's economic pull: Large infrastructure financing and trade links create a strong Chinese presence.
• Russia's security and historical depth: Central Asia remains closely connected with Russia historically and institutionally.
• Entry of new partners: EU and others are increasing engagement, giving CARs more options.

16.4 Small economic footprint of India (relative to potential)

Even credible studies point out that India's engagement has been modest, mainly due to limited connectivity—highlighting the need for targeted policy action rather than only high-level statements.

17) Way Forward: A Realistic Strategy for 2026 and Beyond

17.1 Make connectivity usable (not just announced)

• Chabahar execution: Convert the 10-year agreement into regular services and predictable logistics, so CAR businesses actually use it.
• INSTC optimisation: Push standardisation, documentation, route predictability, and connect with eastern branch initiatives.
• Trade facilitation: Expand TIR usage and simplify goods transit procedures.

17.2 Fix banking and payments

• Use the proposed banking/financial connectivity working group to enable interbank links, digital payments, and smoother settlement.

17.3 Scale economic cooperation in a few "winnable" sectors

• Pharma + healthcare: build manufacturing partnerships, distribution, medical tourism, and training.
• IT + DPI: implement Digital Partnership Forum projects (not only MoUs).
• Critical minerals: move from "interest" to exploration partnerships and joint ventures.

17.4 Deepen security cooperation with a "regional stability" frame

• Joint capacity building on counter-terror financing, cyber, border management, and drug enforcement.
• Use annual dialogues and NSC consultations to keep coordination continuous.

17.5 Expand people-to-people links

• More scholarships, language training, university MoUs, tourism trails and cultural exchange.
• Improve air connectivity where viable and simplify mobility processes.

18) UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs) and How to Approach

19) Prelims-Focused Quick Revision Points

• Connect Central Asia Policy: articulated in 2012; pillars include political, security, economic, cultural, education, health, connectivity, banking, air links.
• India-Central Asia Summit: first held 27 Jan 2022 (virtual); summit every 2 years; Secretariat in New Delhi.
• India-Central Asia Dialogue: first in Samarkand (Jan 2019); second (Oct 2020 digital); third (Dec 2021 New Delhi); fourth (June 2025 New Delhi).
• US$ 1 bn Line of Credit: referenced for priority development projects; along with HICDP grant assistance mechanism.
• Ashgabat Agreement: India's accession entered into force on 3 Feb 2018; transit corridor between Central Asia and Persian Gulf.
• Chabahar: India–Iran 10-year agreement signed May 2024; CARs show interest in using Shahid Beheshti Terminal; Chabahar JWG met in April 2023 (Mumbai).
• Digital cooperation: India Stack and DPI assistance; Digital Partnership Forum decided (2025).
• Critical minerals: Rare earth and critical minerals cooperation; Rare Earth Forum referenced (Sept 2024).
• Exercises: KAZIND (Kazakhstan), KHANJAR (Kyrgyzstan), DUSTLIK (Uzbekistan).

20) Mains Practice Questions (GS2 + GS3)

• "Connectivity is the single biggest constraint in India–Central Asia relations." Discuss with reference to INSTC, Chabahar, and Ashgabat Agreement.
• Evaluate India's Connect Central Asia Policy: What has changed after 2022 in terms of institutional mechanisms and new cooperation areas?
• How does Afghanistan affect India–Central Asia strategic cooperation? Suggest a realistic way forward that balances security and humanitarian goals.
• Discuss the emerging importance of critical minerals and digital public infrastructure in India–Central Asia relations.
• "India's development partnership is a strategic tool, not charity." Explain with reference to LoCs, HICDPs and capacity building in Central Asia.

21) Practice MCQs (with Answers)

1. Q1. The India-Central Asia Summit mechanism was first held in:

   • (a) 2012
   • (b) 2015
   • (c) 2019
   • (d) 2022

2. Q2. India's accession to the Ashgabat Agreement entered into force on:

   • (a) 3 February 2018
   • (b) 27 January 2022
   • (c) 6 June 2025
   • (d) 12 June 2012

3. Q3. Which of the following was agreed at the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue (June 2025)?

   • (a) Establishment of India-Central Asia Digital Partnership Forum
   • (b) Joint exploration cooperation in rare earth and critical minerals
   • (c) Interest in a Joint Working Group on banking/financial connectivity
   • (d) All of the above

4. Q4. KAZIND is a joint military exercise between India and:

   • (a) Uzbekistan
   • (b) Kazakhstan
   • (c) Kyrgyz Republic
   • (d) Tajikistan

5. Q5. KHANJAR is a joint special forces exercise between India and:

   • (a) Kazakhstan
   • (b) Kyrgyz Republic
   • (c) Turkmenistan
   • (d) Uzbekistan

6. Q6. The 2nd India-Central Asia Dialogue (October 2020) included which special invitee?

   • (a) Iran
   • (b) Afghanistan
   • (c) Russia
   • (d) China

7. Q7. The 10-year agreement related to Chabahar Port was signed between:

   • (a) India and Afghanistan
   • (b) India and Iran
   • (c) India and Turkmenistan
   • (d) India and Uzbekistan

8. Q8. According to a joint report-based summary, one key Indian export category to Central Asia is:

   • (a) Petroleum products
   • (b) Pharmaceuticals
   • (c) Aircraft
   • (d) Coal

Answers: Q1-(d), Q2-(a), Q3-(d), Q4-(b), Q5-(b), Q6-(b), Q7-(b), Q8-(b).