GS2 PYQ 2018 (Mains Answer Writing): India - Central Asia Agreements | UPSC Mains: International Relations PDF Download

A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. (UPSC GS2 2018)

Central Asia is a part of India’s “extended neighbourhood.” India has major geo-strategic and economic interest in the region. It has four major interests in Central Asia: security, energy, trade and mutual cooperation in various realms. As of today, India is facing competition in all mentioned areas in the region from major powers of the world. There are many factors that are attracting world’s attention towards Central Asia.

• Being placed in the middle of the Eurasian Continent, it is also one of the most convenient routes of transit. It is rich in minerals, especially hydrocarbons. Their consumer market is still remains to be exploited. It became a natural, historically formed buffer zone as well as forms the hub of Islamic extremism. Thus, it is witnessing flow of capital and expansion of trade triggering large-scale infrastructure, shipment of goods and flow of people across the region. Owing to this, great powers rivalry over security and energy stakes in the region has increased.
• Outside powers in the region and implication for India: Russiais the traditional player in the region and wishes to exert political influence after a short gap of retreat from the region. But India’s major rival in the region is China, which has gained an image of reliable partner. China has fully used its geographical proximity to the region and while pursuing an ingenious soft-power policy, it has successfully converted every challenge in Central Asia into an opportunity. CIS countries have pledged support to the ‘Silk Route Belt’ idea for deepening their ancient ties with China. 
• The US and its allies remained deeply engaged in the region and used it as a valuable supply hub for the Afghanistan war effort. When compared to that of China and Russia, although, India’s interest in Central Asia is visible, its relations with the region are marginal. Despite efforts being made by India, questions such as what India can offer to Central Asia and what India symbolizes for Central Asia remain a challenge for India-Central Asia relations. 
• Ashgabat Agreement: Recently, India joined the Ashgabat agreement which envisages enhancing connectivity within the Eurasian region and synchronizing it with other regional transport corridors, including the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Turkmenistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Oman are the founding members of the agreement Implications for India: It will diversify India’s connectivity options in Central Asia and will have a positive influence on India’s trade and commercial ties with the Eurasia region.
• On connectivity front, it is now easier for India to reach out to Central Asia which houses strategic and high-value minerals including uranium, copper, titanium and more. Further, this synchronises with India’s efforts to implement the INSTC for enhanced connectivity. 
• India’s share in Central Asia’s total trade is only about one per cent. With improved transport connectivity, the prospect of commercial ties with the region is stronger now. 
• Strategically too, connectivity with Central Asia will help India. Peace and stability in CARs and Afghanistan is one of the most crucial factors for India’s security. India can now play greater role in the region. 
• There is a vast scope for furthering bilateral ties in education and English-language teaching from schools to universities, healthcare, tourism, agriculture and agro-processing industries, pharmaceuticals and more. Connectivity will be boon for all. Thus, India has to compete and succeed in Central Asia as the stakes are high.

Topics covered - SCO, India-Central Asia Relations