Q10. 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.

Model Answer:

Introduction

India joined the Ashgabat Agreement in 2018, which is a multimodal transport and transit agreement connecting Central Asia to the Persian Gulf. This agreement holds strategic importance for India, particularly as outside powers, including China and Russia, have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, a region of critical geopolitical and economic interest to India.

Body

Strategic Importance of Central Asia for India:

  1. Energy Security: Central Asia is rich in natural resources, especially oil and gas. Access to this region is crucial for India’s energy diversification strategy.
  2. Connectivity to Europe and Russia: Central Asia acts as a gateway for India to access markets in Europe and Russia, bypassing traditional maritime routes.
  3. Geopolitical Influence: Central Asia lies at the heart of major geopolitical strategies, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Russia’s Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). India’s presence is critical to maintaining a balance of power in the region.

Ashgabat Agreement:

  1. Multimodal Transport Corridor: The agreement establishes a transit corridor linking the Caspian Sea, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf, facilitating trade and transport among member countries, including Turkmenistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
  2. Strategic Benefits for India: Joining the Ashgabat Agreement gives India access to landlocked Central Asian markets, allowing it to bypass Pakistan and increase its trade footprint.

Implications of India's Membership:

  1. Enhanced Connectivity: The agreement improves India’s access to Central Asian markets via Iran’s Chabahar Port, reducing reliance on traditional sea routes controlled by rival powers like China.
  2. Countering China’s BRI: India’s participation in this initiative helps balance China’s growing influence in Central Asia under the BRI. The corridor provides India with an alternative route, enhancing its strategic position in the region.
  3. Economic Integration: India’s involvement in Central Asia’s infrastructure projects, including railways and highways, could strengthen economic ties, promoting trade and investment opportunities in energy, minerals, and pharmaceuticals.
  4. Boost to International Trade: With the opening of the Chabahar Port in Iran, India can facilitate smoother trade to Central Asia, Afghanistan, and beyond, enhancing regional cooperation and trade volumes.

Conclusion

‍India’s membership in the Ashgabat Agreement holds immense strategic and economic significance. It strengthens India’s presence in Central Asia, counters rival powers’ influence, and promotes connectivity and trade. This engagement not only enhances India’s access to energy resources but also strengthens its geopolitical footprint in the region.

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