India–Central Asia Relations: Strengthening Strategic Connectivity in the Heart of Eurasia

In May 2024, India signed a landmark 10-year agreement with Iran to manage and develop the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port, a critical gateway to Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan. The move drew global attention, especially as the United States issued a sanctions-related caution. India, however, remained resolute, highlighting Chabahar's potential to bolster regional trade, humanitarian outreach, and diplomatic ties, particularly with Central Asian nations. This episode reflects India's growing commitment to re-establish its strategic footprint in Central Asia, a region historically linked to India through the ancient Silk Road, and now vital for energy security, counterterrorism cooperation, and regional connectivity.

Strategic Context and India’s ‘Connect Central Asia’ Policy

Central Asia—comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (KTTTU) — has long been part of India's extended neighborhood, despite the absence of a direct border. Historically connected through trade, Buddhism, and cultural exchanges, modern ties were formalized after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991.

In 2012, India unveiled the “Connect Central Asia” policy, aiming to develop multi-dimensional engagement—political, economic, cultural, and security-related. This policy was reinforced by Prime Minister Modi’s 2015 visit to all five Central Asian republics, a first for any Indian leader. It positioned these nations as critical partners in India’s larger Eurasian strategy, including its desire to play a balancing role amid China’s assertive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

India now considers these countries part of its "extended and strategic neighbourhood," investing in stronger connectivity and people-to-people linkages, despite barriers posed by geography and geopolitics.

Bilateral Engagements: Building Ties Across the Region

Uzbekistan

India was among the earliest to recognize Uzbekistan's independence in 1991. The relationship matured into a Strategic Partnership in 2011, supported by frequent high-level visits, including PM Modi’s trips to Tashkent and Samarkand, and Uzbek President Mirziyoyev’s visits to India. Regular Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) and a structured Intergovernmental Commission help sustain cooperation in trade, defense, education, and technology.

Kyrgyz Republic

Ties with Kyrgyzstan are shaped by Silk Route connections and modern agreements. India extended a $200 million Line of Credit for development projects in 2019. During the same visit, both sides signed 15 MoUs, including on defense cooperation, health, and information technology. India and Kyrgyzstan conduct joint military exercises (Khanjar) to bolster counterterrorism coordination.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a vital partner due to its rich uranium reserves, which support India’s civil nuclear energy program. Bilateral ties evolved into a Strategic Partnership in 2009, with growing defense cooperation and institutional engagement via the Inter-Governmental Commission. Kazakhstan also supports India’s membership in multilateral platforms like the SCO.

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan and India share cordial relations, especially in energy cooperation. India participates in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. While its progress has been hampered by regional instability and India-Pakistan tensions, India continues to express its long-term commitment to energy connectivity with Ashgabat.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan is of strategic importance due to its proximity to Afghanistan and China. India maintains a military base in Farkhor, Tajikistan, supporting security operations and humanitarian missions. Defense exchanges and counterterrorism cooperation have deepened, making Tajikistan a security pivot in India’s Central Asia policy.

Connectivity: The Biggest Challenge and Priority

Central Asia remains landlocked, and India has no direct access to the region due to geographical constraints—especially the issue of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the barrier posed by the Himalayas.

Chabahar Port – A Game-Changer

To bypass Pakistan and reach Afghanistan and Central Asia, India has invested heavily in Chabahar Port in southeastern Iran. In May 2024, India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran, securing operational rights for the Shahid Beheshti terminal and pledging over $370 million in investment and credit. Operated by Indian Ports Global Ltd., the port has already handled over 8.4 million metric tonnes of cargo and 90,000 TEUs in container traffic since 2018.

Chabahar also played a crucial role in supplying humanitarian aid to Afghanistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite occasional U.S. sanctions, India has defended the port’s importance as a multilateral development tool rather than a geopolitical ploy.

International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

India is revitalizing the INSTC, a 7,200-km long multi-modal trade route connecting India with Russia via Iran, Azerbaijan, and the Caspian Sea. From there, connectivity can be extended to Central Asian nations, opening faster trade channels for Indian goods. This route complements Chabahar and provides strategic depth to India’s Eurasian outreach.

Economic and Energy Cooperation

Central Asia is rich in natural gas, oil, uranium, and rare earth minerals, all of which are critical for India’s growing energy needs. Trade volumes, while still modest, have crossed $2 billion, with significant potential for expansion.

Kazakhstan is a key supplier of natural uranium to India, while Turkmenistan is central to the TAPI pipeline, which, if completed, could supply India with up to 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. Besides energy, India is investing in pharmaceuticals, education, information technology, and connectivity infrastructure.

Defense and Security Cooperation

India and Central Asian countries share common concerns related to extremism, terrorism, and regional instability, especially after the Taliban’s return in Afghanistan. India actively participates in joint military exercises with several countries:

Dustlik with Uzbekistan
Khanjar with Kyrgyzstan
Counter-terror training with Tajikistan

These exercises enhance military-to-military contact and help build interoperability in dealing with non-traditional security threats. Additionally, India engages these countries under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) to exchange intelligence and coordinate security policies.

Cultural and People-to-People Diplomacy

India’s historical connections to Central Asia are amplified through soft power diplomacy — scholarship programs, medical education for Central Asian students, and Bollywood’s popularity.

Several Central Asian students pursue education in India, especially in medicine and engineering. Institutions such as the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) run cultural centers and facilitate academic exchanges. Yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian festivals are increasingly celebrated in the region, enhancing goodwill and mutual understanding.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite mutual goodwill, several challenges persist:

Connectivity Barriers: Lack of direct access, reliance on unstable regions like Afghanistan, and complicated transit corridors hamper trade expansion.
China’s Growing Influence: Central Asia is a key node in China’s BRI, with heavy Chinese investments in infrastructure and energy sectors. India has to offer competitive alternatives without appearing confrontational.
Terrorist Threats and Political Volatility: Presence of extremist networks and internal political instability in some Central Asian states occasionally affects foreign policy engagement.

Way Forward

India’s roadmap involves:

Enhancing cultural diplomacy and people-to-people ties
Operationalizing Chabahar Port and INSTC for reliable connectivity
Expanding defense partnerships and joint counter-terrorism efforts
Offering competitive investments in energy, technology, and education
Multilateral coordination through SCO and other regional platforms

Conclusion

India’s engagement with Central Asia is no longer symbolic—it is strategic, structured, and future-oriented. From securing vital energy sources to asserting regional influence, India’s actions—from long-term Chabahar investments to increasing defense drills — demonstrate a clear Eurasian ambition. In an increasingly multipolar world, where the balance of power is shifting towards Asia, India’s proactive Central Asia outreach is key to securing its continental rise.

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