UPSC Mains 2018 · GS II · Q10 · 10 marks · 150 words

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.

हिन्दी में

मध्य एशिया, जो भारत के लिए एक हित क्षेत्र है, में अनेक बाह्य शक्तियों ने अपने-आप को संस्थापित कर लिया है। इस संदर्भ में, भारत द्वारा अश्गाबात करार, 2018 में शामिल होने के निहितार्थों पर चर्चा कीजिए।

Trade and Economic DiplomacyBilateral Relations

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “The Ashgabat agreement could be the beginning of constructive regional economic cooperation between Central and South Asia and could help bring stability to disturbed areas in the region. Critically examine.”

Abhijit RayAIR 50 · CSE 2021 · 194 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Ashgabat Agreement of 2011 is a multi modal transport agreement that calls for transit and transport of goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf

Body · points

Beginning of constructive regional cooperation

• Chabahar port - that allows gateway to Central Asia via the shorter route • Afghanistan connectivity will improve trade relations • will facilitate trade and commerce with Eurasian region • INSTC - facilitate India's efforts to implement INSTC and allow goods transport. • energy security based connectivity boost that will connect India with the mineral rich regions of central Asia.

Challenges of Asgabat agreement • lack of peace in the region - civil unrest. • Iran is being sanctioned by US. • China's belt and Road passing through - create sovereignty concerns for countries eg: CPEC vs India. • protectionism push by the western nations.

Way forward • need institutional mechanisms for timely implementation of development plans. • usage of Regional Anti Terrorism Structure (RATS) to reduce risk of terrorism in central Asia.

Close · a way forward

Central Asia's connection with South Asia is vital for long term prosperity of both regions. This also provides opportunity for India to reduce its dependency on middle east oil import.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper II, Q10. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.