Why Central Asia matters for India

Source: The post “Why Central Asia matters for India” has been created based on “PM Modi visit to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic: Why Central Asia matters for India” published in “Indian Express” on 25th August 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS 2- International Relations

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Central Asia from August 29 to September 1, 2026, with a bilateral visit to Uzbekistan from August 29–30, followed by participation in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in the Kyrgyz Republic from August 31–September 1.

Introduction

1. Central Asia, comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, is considered India’s extended neighbourhood.
2. India’s focused engagement with the region began with the “Connect Central Asia” policy in 2012, and Prime Minister Modi’s visit to all five Central Asian countries in 2015 gave further momentum to this outreach.

Why Central Asia matters for India

1. Strategic and geopolitical importance
   1. Central Asia has traditionally been regarded as Russia’s backyard, while China has increased its economic and strategic presence through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
   2. India’s engagement seeks to ensure that the post-Soviet space is not dominated by China and to expand India’s strategic space in the region.
2. Security concerns
   1. The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan has increased concerns regarding terrorism, radicalisation and instability in the region.
   2. Cooperation with Central Asian countries is therefore important for counter-terrorism and regional security.
   3. The possibility of regrouping of the Islamic State in the wider region poses an additional security challenge.
3. Energy and mineral resources
   1. Central Asia is extremely rich in natural resources.
   2. Kazakhstan possesses major uranium reserves along with coal, lead, zinc, gold and iron ore.
   3. Turkmenistan has one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves.
   4. Uzbekistan has gold, uranium and natural gas, while the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan have significant hydropower potential.
   5. Access to these resources can support India’s energy security and industrial requirements.
4. Connectivity and trade
   1. India faces a major geographical disadvantage because Pakistan blocks direct overland access to Central Asia.
   2. India therefore seeks to use the Chabahar Port in Iran and integrate it with the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to improve connectivity with Central Asia.
   3. Better connectivity can also expand India’s trade and economic engagement with the region.
5. Economic opportunities
   1. The region’s mineral and energy resources offer opportunities for Indian investment, trade and resource access.
   2. Uzbekistan is already among India’s important trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $1 billion in 2025-26.
6. Civilisational and cultural ties
   1. India shares deep historical and civilisational links with Central Asia.
   2. The Kara Tepa Buddhist monastery in Termez, Uzbekistan, reflects the spread of Buddhism from India into Central Asia during the Kushana period.
   3. India and Uzbekistan also share linguistic and cultural similarities, including around 3,000 shared words and similarities in cuisine such as samosa–samsa, naan–non and pulao–pilaf.
7. Multilateral significance
   1. India has been a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) since 2017.
   2. The SCO provides India with a platform to engage simultaneously with Central Asian countries, Russia, China and other regional actors on security and strategic issues.
   3. India’s outreach was also reflected in its invitation to Central Asian leaders for the Republic Day celebrations in January 2022.

Challenges

1. Connectivity deficit: Pakistan’s geographical position prevents direct land access, making India dependent on alternative routes such as Iran.
2. Chinese influence: China’s large investments under the BRI have increased its economic and strategic influence in Central Asia.
3. Afghanistan instability: Taliban rule, terrorism and radicalisation create security uncertainties.
4. Russia-Ukraine conflict: The conflict may create political and economic churn in Central Asian countries.
5. Demographic and social pressures: The movement of skilled and wealthy Russians into Central Asia could bring economic benefits but may also create local social tensions.

Way Forward

1. India should deepen its security and counter-terrorism cooperation with Central Asian states.
2. It should accelerate connectivity through Chabahar and the INSTC to overcome geographical constraints.
3. India should strengthen cooperation in uranium, hydrocarbons, minerals and hydropower.
4. Greater trade, investment and cultural exchanges can provide a stronger foundation for long-term relations.
5. India should also use platforms such as the SCO to pursue its strategic interests while maintaining balanced relations with Russia, China and Central Asian states.

Conclusion: Central Asia is important for India not only because of its energy and mineral resources, but also because of its location at the intersection of India’s security, connectivity and geopolitical interests. A sustained and multidimensional engagement can help India secure its extended neighbourhood, diversify its resource supplies and contribute to stability in the wider region.

Question: Central Asia is strategically important for India’s security, connectivity, energy and economic interests. In this context, discuss the significance of India’s engagement with Central Asian countries and the challenges involved.

Source: Indian Express