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. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan connect India to Eurasia’s energy, security and transport corridors.

Significance and progress

• India engages through the India–Central Asia Dialogue, development assistance, education, pharmaceuticals and capacity building.
• Central Asia offers hydrocarbons, uranium, critical minerals and markets; the Chabahar route and International North–South Transport Corridor seek to overcome geographic isolation.
• Cooperation on Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and radicalisation has strategic value.

Constraints and way forward

• Pakistan transit denial, difficult geography, Chinese and Russian influence, instability in Afghanistan and limited trade constrain the relationship.
• Expand air connectivity, banking channels, digital public infrastructure, renewable-energy partnerships, Chabahar usage and regular security dialogue.

Keywords: CARs, Chabahar, INSTC, Eurasian connectivity, critical minerals, Afghanistan, strategic autonomy.