A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. (UPSC IAS Mains 2018 General Studies Paper – 2
Central Asia is in the "extended neighbourhood" of India. India has a lot of economic and geostrategic interests in the area. It has four main goals in Central Asia: security, energy, trade, and working together with other countries in different ways. Central Asia has become part of the "New Great Game" between regional and world powers. This game is about who will be the most powerful in the world.
Significance of the Central Asian region
- It is rich in energy and mineral resources which haven’t been exploited yet
- Being placed in the middle of the Eurasian continent, it is also one of the most important routes of transit connecting Asia and Europe.
- Their consumer market still remains to be exploited.
- Control over Central Asian hinterland provides strategic supremacy over peripheral regions such as Persian Gulf.
As a result, major powers are making a wild dash to stamp their influence in the region:
- Russia is the traditional player in the region and wishes to exert political influence after a short gap of retreat from the region.
- China has fully used its geographical proximity to the region and is pursuing an ingenious soft-power policy. These countries have pledged support to the ‘Silk Route Belt’ idea for deepening their ancient ties with China.
- The US and its allies remain deeply engaged in the region and use it as a valuable supply hub for the Afghanistan war effort. They also aim to counter the Russian and Chinese influence.
- Despite efforts being made by India, questions such as what India can offer to Central Asia and what India symbolises for Central Asia remain a challenge for India-Central Asia relations.
Recently, India joined the Ashgabat Agreement which envisages enhancing connectivity within the Eurasian region and synchronising it with other regional transport corridors. Implications of India joining the Ashgabat Agreement:
- It will enable India to utilise the existing transport and transit corridor to facilitate trade and commercial interactions with the Eurasian region through better integration with Eurasian Economic Union and Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
- India being a regional powerhouse in South Asia and southern central Asia, will be able to influence economic and political consequences through the agreement. This will also ensure that its competitor, China will not interfere in this region.
- Pakistan trying to interfere in Afghanistan is a big headache to India. By firmly establishing itself in central Asia, India plans to neutralize Pakistan.
- Ashgabat agreement also features fuel transportation from Caspian sea to the gulf of Persia. By being beneficiary of the project, India will try to isolate itself from uncertainty in middle east that has threatened to cut fuel supply.
- It will sychronize the existing trade corridors with International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) - complimenting India’s efforts for enhanced regional connectivity and accessibility.
- It will increase India’s trade with Central Asia which is currently over $ 1 billion - only 0.11% of Central Asia’s trade.
- It will increase scope of Chabahar to become a vital gateway and the shortest land route to Central Asia.
- It will provide access to high-value minerals of Central Asia
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