India’s return to its Central Asian neighbourhood

Source: The post “India’s return to its Central Asian neighbourhood” has been created based on “India’s return to its Central Asian neighbourhood” published in “The Hindu” on 28th July 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS-2-International Relations

Context: Central Asia is an important part of India’s extended neighbourhood, despite the lack of direct overland connectivity. India shares deep civilisational, cultural, religious, linguistic and architectural links with the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Uzbekistan and participation in the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, reflect India’s renewed focus on Central Asia.

India’s Engagement with Central Asia

1. 2015: Prime Minister Modi’s visit to all five Central Asian countries marked a historic shift from India’s earlier policy of largely deferring to Russia in its neighbourhood.
2. 2017: India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
3. 2022: India invited all Central Asian leaders as chief guests for Republic Day to mark 30 years of their independence and diplomatic ties. Although the event was held virtually due to COVID-19, it led to stronger institutional mechanisms such as the India-Central Asia Dialogue.
4. India has also explored alternative rail and road connectivity routes through Iran and Afghanistan.

Significance of Central Asia for India

1. Strategic and geopolitical importance

1. Central Asia lies between Russia and China, making it strategically important for India.
2. As Russia’s influence weakens and China’s influence grows, countries of the region are increasingly looking for partners beyond these two powers.
3. India can strengthen its strategic presence and diplomatic influence in the region.

2. Civilisational and cultural links

1. India has historical connections with Central Asia through culture, religion, language and architecture.
2. Geographically, India and Tajikistan are separated only by the narrow Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan.
3. India’s plural, moderate and democratic model is admired in the region.

3. Economic and trade opportunities

1. India can expand cooperation in trade, economic development and natural resources.
2. The region’s diverse resource endowments provide opportunities for stronger economic partnerships.
3. Better connectivity can further facilitate India’s trade and economic engagement.

4. Security and counter-terrorism

1. Central Asian countries face challenges from radicalisation, terrorism and instability emanating from Afghanistan.
2. Uzbekistan has adopted a strong approach against terrorism and extremism.
3. Its knowledge of Afghanistan and pragmatic approach towards the Taliban are important for India.
4. Cooperation with Central Asian states can strengthen India’s regional security interests.

5. Connectivity

1. The absence of direct overland connectivity remains a major challenge.
2. India needs to revisit alternative connectivity routes through Iran and Afghanistan in light of recent developments.
3. Improved connectivity can strengthen India’s economic and strategic presence.

Importance of Uzbekistan

1. Uzbekistan is among the most dynamic countries in Central Asia and is actively diversifying its foreign relations.
2. India-Uzbekistan relations have steadily improved under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev since 2016.
3. Uzbekistan’s geographical position, counter-terrorism efforts and understanding of Afghanistan make it particularly important for India.

Importance of the SCO

1. The SCO originated from the Shanghai Five in 1996 and has expanded to 10 members, 15 dialogue partners and 2 observers.
2. India’s engagement with the SCO is driven mainly by geography rather than ideology.
3. India faces the challenge of negotiating within the SCO in the context of the China-Pakistan alignment.
4. India has nevertheless promoted cooperation in economic, technological and civilisational fields.
5. At Tianjin, Prime Minister Modi presented the vision of security, connectivity and opportunity for the SCO.
6. For countries such as Kyrgyzstan, which are heavily dependent on China, India can provide an additional geopolitical and economic option.

Challenges

1. China’s growing influence and Russia’s traditional presence create a complex geopolitical environment.
2. Border, water and ethnic disputes among Central Asian countries complicate regional relations.
3. Instability and extremism emanating from Afghanistan remain security concerns.
4. Lack of direct overland connectivity limits India’s economic engagement.
5. India must also navigate the China-Pakistan dyad within the SCO.

Way Forward

1. India should consolidate its position in Central Asia through greater cooperation in economy, trade, defence, natural resources and technology.
2. It should also expand cultural, educational, health and tourism exchanges.
3. India should strengthen alternative connectivity routes through Iran and Afghanistan.
4. Greater engagement with Central Asian countries can help India balance the growing influence of China and strengthen its wider Eurasian presence.

Conclusion: Central Asia is not merely a geographically distant region but an important part of India’s civilisational and strategic neighbourhood. India’s renewed engagement provides an opportunity to deepen strategic presence, economic ties and diplomatic influence while contributing to regional security and connectivity.

Question: India’s engagement with Central Asia is driven by strategic, economic, security and civilisational interests. Discuss the significance of India’s renewed engagement with the region.

Source: The Hindu