Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.

Significance of Central Asia

1. Huge trade potential which is currently low at 2 Bn $

2. Resources → Uranium in Kazakh, Gas in Tajikistan etc. are important for energy security.

3. Multilateral forums → Central Asian countries can support India's bid for permanent seat at UNSC.

4. Counter Chinese hegemony in Eurasian region.

5. Critical for connection to entire Eurasia & Russia.

6. Collaboration in Science, Technology & Climatechange.

Challenges

1. Lack of connectivity → rough terrain, Indo-Pak conflict; 2) Spill over security issues

2. Lack of sustained political engagement

3. Russian & Chinese dominance in trade & forums (Eg SCO started by Russia & China)

4. Low people to people ties due to regulatory issues & visa policies

Way forward

1. Implement Chabahar Port project & INSTC via Iran

2. Build on cultural & civilisations ties.

3. support developmental projects under ITEC.

Central Asia is the gateway to continental policy of India.