Subject: International Relations

India's accession to the Ashgabat Agreement in 2018 marks a significant stride in enhancing connectivity and strategic presence in Central Asia, particularly amid increasing great power competition in the region.

Strategic Implications of India's Accession

Enhanced Connectivity and Trade

• Provides alternative trade routes to landlocked Central Asian nations, reducing dependency on traditional routes through Pakistan.
• Enables India to leverage the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) in conjunction with the Chabahar Port for efficient market access.
• Facilitates participation in the evolving Central Asian transport architecture, countering China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Economic Benefits

• Opens opportunities for increased trade volume and economic cooperation with resource-rich Central Asian nations.
• Creates potential for enhanced energy security through direct access to Central Asian hydrocarbon resources.
• Helps balance China's growing economic influence, which includes $120.1 billion in contracted projects and $30 billion in cumulative investments in Central Asia.

Geopolitical Advantages

• Strengthens India's position in the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, focusing on trade, connectivity, and technology cooperation.
• Counters the increasing presence of external powers like China, Russia, and Turkey in the region.
• Enhances India's role in regional security architecture and counter-terrorism initiatives.

Development Cooperation

• Enables India to participate in green energy projects and industrial digitalization initiatives in Central Asia.
• Facilitates technology transfer and capacity building through bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
• Supports India's vision of an inclusive and sustainable development model for the region.

The Ashgabat Agreement serves as a crucial instrument in advancing India's "Connect Central Asia" policy while promoting regional integration and strategic autonomy. Success will depend on effective implementation and coordination with initiatives like International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port Project, ensuring India's meaningful presence in this strategically vital region.