India Central Asia Relations

Long historical, cultural and economic connections. The famous Silk Route not only connected the people and businesses, but also let the thoughts, culture and beliefs flow freely from one region to the other.

India considers the Central Asian countries as part of its ‘extended and strategic neighbourhood
In 2012, India announced the ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy with four major interests in Central Asia: security, energy, trade and mutual cooperation in various realms

Importance of Central Asia

Energy security – Significant hydrocarbon (gas) and mineral resources (uranium) + close to India geographically
Strategic Location – Geographically a bridge between different regions of Asia and between Europe and Asia
Complementary Economies – India wants energy reserves, they want agricultural & pharmaceutical products
Security – To tackle the challenge of terrorism, narcotics trafficking and arms smuggling – as it lies in neighborhood of ‘Golden Crescent’
Central Asian nations and India can play effectively role in bringing normalcy in Afghanistan.
Regional cooperation: Four central Asian Nations are part of SCO

Also read: India Myanmar relations and India Afghanistan relations

Challenges

The key constraint India faces is the lack of direct access to Central Asia
Central Asian region is land locked. It has hampered India’s relation with central Asia. Poor connectivity has also contributed to the below-par trade between India and Central Asia.
The unstable situation in Afghanistan and a highly problematic India-Pakistan relation have deprived India from the benefit of relations with Central Asia.
Chinese presence: Central Asia is part of Silk Road Economic Belt initiative

Latest development to connect central Asia

India has become full member of SCO. Annual SCO summits will provide a forum to leaders of these countries to meet and discuss issues of bilateral and regional interest.
India is a founding member of International North-South Transport Corridor, a multi-nation project to create transport and logistics infrastructure
India plans to develop Chabahar port in Iran, which will allow access to landlocked Afghanistan and energy-rich Central Asia from Indian Ports
India has acceded to Ashgabat Agreement, an international transport and transit corridor facilitating transportation of
Goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.
Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI), expected to be completed by end 2019

India – Kazakhstan

The biggest source of Uranium for India, besides Australia and Canada
India was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Kazakhstan.
Have agreement on defence and military-technical cooperation
Kazakhstan is India’s largest trading partner in Central Asia
Kazakhstan is the biggest oil and gas producer in Central Asia
Kazakhstan is supportive of India’s permanent membership of UNSC and full membership of SCO and India supported Kazakhstan’s candidature for non-permanent membership of UNSC for 2017-18.

✅ India–Central Asia Relations: 10 Key Points

Historical and Cultural Ties: India shares deep-rooted connections with Central Asia through Silk Route trade, Buddhism, and Sufi cultural exchanges dating back centuries.
Extended Neighbourhood Policy: Central Asia is a core focus under India’s “Extended Neighbourhood Policy”, emphasizing stronger engagement beyond South Asia.
Strategic Importance: Central Asia is vital for India’s energy security, regional connectivity, and as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region.
Energy Cooperation: India has invested in oil and gas projects, notably in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and seeks long-term energy partnerships to meet its growing demand.
International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): This project connects India to Central Asia via Iran, reducing transit time and cost for goods and improving regional connectivity.
Chabahar Port & TAPI Pipeline: India uses Iran’s Chabahar Port to bypass Pakistan for trade with Central Asia. The TAPI gas pipeline (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) also plays a key strategic role.
India–Central Asia Summit: The first-ever India–Central Asia Summit was held in 2022, enhancing dialogue on security, economy, and regional stability.
SCO Engagement: India’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) provides a key platform to engage with Central Asian countries on security, terrorism, and connectivity.
Trade and Investment: Although current trade is below potential (~$2 billion), India is working to enhance trade through connectivity projects, investment agreements, and technology cooperation.
Security and Counterterrorism: India collaborates with Central Asian countries on counterterrorism, radicalization, and drug trafficking, supporting regional peace and security.

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