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. (10) (150 words)

The Ashgabat Agreement offers India a framework for transport connectivity with Central Asia, a region increasingly shaped by competing external powers.

• Membership improves access to Turkmenistan and Central Asian markets through multimodal routes, potentially complementing Chabahar and the International North-South Transport Corridor.
• Connectivity supports trade, energy engagement, development partnerships and India’s presence in a region where China, Russia, the United States and others compete.
• It helps reduce the geographic disadvantage created by lack of direct land access.

• Sanctions, instability in Afghanistan, difficult terrain, limited infrastructure and uncertain commercial viability can delay benefits.
• India should coordinate port, rail, customs and digital standards with partners and pursue viable cargo projects.
• The agreement is strategically useful, but must be supported by sustained diplomacy, regional security engagement and economic competitiveness.

Central Asia; Ashgabat Agreement; Chabahar; connectivity; Indian foreign policy