The region of Central Asia is located in the heart of Eurasia and denoted as Heartland by Helford Mackinder. It connects Europe, West Asia, South Asia, and Russia.
Significance of CARs in Regional and Global Geopolitics-
Energy Hub- CARs hold 4% of global gas and 3% of oil reserves. Turkmenistan (gas), Kazakhstan (uranium, oil).
Strategic Location- Land bridge between Europe, Russia, South Asia, and China, vital for Eurasian connectivity (BRI, INSTC, Ashgabat).
Security Buffer- Acts as a buffer against terrorism and extremism from Afghanistan.
Great Power Competition- Arena for China-Russia-US rivalry; China’s BRI investments exceed USD 60 billion.
India’s Engagement-
Diplomatic-
Connect Central Asia Policy – based on 4 Cs-Commerce , Connectivity , Consular and Community.
Institutionalized through India-Central Asia Summit (2022) and SCO membership (2017).
Economic-
Trade at USD 3 billion (2023);
Focus on energy, IT, and pharma
US$1 billion line of credit for development projects in infrastructure, IT, energy and agriculture in 2020.
Joined Ashgabat Agreement (2018) and INSTC.
Strategic-
Cooperation on counterterrorism (SCO RATS)
India operates Ayni Air Base (Tajikistan)
Invests via ONGC Videsh in Kazakhstan.
Challenges-
Connectivity gaps due to lack of direct access (Pakistan barrier).
China’s dominance under BRI and Russia’s influence in security.
Instability in Afghanistan affecting corridors.
Low trade volumes and implementation delays in projects like TAPI.
US sanctions on Iran hinder Chabahar-INSTC route.
Early finalization of FTA between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and air corridors can help to realise India’s energy security, connectivity, and strategic depth.