Possible UPSC Questions
Prelims
- The ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy was unveiled in (A) 2005 (B) 2012 (C) 2017 (D) 2020
- Chabahar Port, pivotal to India–CAR connectivity plans, is situated in (A) Oman (B) Iran (C) UAE (D) Qatar
- Which sector is not among the five priorities named by EAM Jaishankar for India-Central Asia cooperation?
A. Digital economy & innovation
B. Financial services
C. Defence production
D. Healthcare & pharmaceuticals
Mains (GS-II)
“India’s pivot from geopolitics to development cooperation is reshaping its Central Asia strategy.” Examine, with reference to connectivity, capacity-building and emerging challenges.
Context & Strategic Shift
At the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar positioned development cooperation—rather than pipelines and power play—as the new fulcrum of engagement. The meeting gathered the foreign ministers of all five Central Asian Republics (CARs), signalling consensus on this re-orientation.
Evolution of Ties
Post-Soviet independence opened energy and trade prospects, but instability in Afghanistan, Pakistan transit hurdles and China’s Belt & Road advances limited India’s reach. Milestones included:
- Strategic partnerships (Kazakhstan 2009, Uzbekistan 2011, Tajikistan 2012).
- 12-point “Connect Central Asia” policy (2012) and PM Modi’s 2015 five-nation tour.
- SCO membership (2017) and the ministerial Dialogue (since 2019).
Development-Centric Toolkit
- Institutions: India-Central Asia Development Group; Business Council; proposed Digital Partnership Forum.
- Finance: US$1 billion Line of Credit for infrastructure, IT, energy and agriculture projects.
- Digital Public Goods: Offer of Aadhaar, DigiLocker and DPI know-how; collaboration via DAKSHIN (Global South Centre of Excellence).
- Health: Technical support for designing Universal Health Coverage models.
- Capacity-Building: ITEC training, scholarships, start-up exchanges.
Connectivity & Energy
With Afghan routes blocked, India backs the INSTC, Chabahar Port and the Zaranj–Delaram road to reach CARs via Iran. Trade is still modest (~US$2 billion). Long-term plans target uranium, hydrocarbons, fertilisers, rare-earth exploration, and local-currency settlement.
Significance for UPSC
Demonstrates India’s “development diplomacy”—aligning digital innovation and capacity-building with foreign policy.
Links to IR & Economy syllabi: SCO, INSTC, BRI, Lines of Credit, Digital Public Infrastructure.
Policy relevance: Shows how India leverages soft power to counterbalance geopolitical constraints and China’s BRI footprint while advancing the Act East/Extended Neighbourhood vision.
How India’s development-centric approach to Central Asia marks a shift
Indian Express, June 12, 2025
