Answer: 

Introduction:

Central Asia is a strategic region of interest to India, which has been witnessing the presence of outside powers like Russia, China, and the United States. India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018 has significant implications for its foreign policy objectives in the region.

Body:

Implications of joining Ashghabat Agreement for India:

• Countering China’s influence: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has a significant presence in Central Asia, and India’s entry into the Ashgabat Agreement could help counter China’s influence in the region.
• Enhanced connectivity: The Ashgabat Agreement aims to enhance connectivity among member countries, which could benefit India in terms of trade and commerce with Central Asian countries.
• Access to energy resources: Central Asia is rich in natural resources, including oil and gas, and India’s entry into the Ashgabat Agreement could facilitate access to these resources, which could help India meet its energy demands.
• Strategic importance: Central Asia is a region of strategic importance, given its location between Europe and Asia. India’s presence in the region could help counterbalance the influence of outside powers like Russia and China.
• Strengthening ties with member countries: The Ashgabat Agreement includes several member countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, among others. India’s entry into the agreement could help strengthen ties with these countries, which could have positive implications for India’s foreign policy in the region.
• Challenging Pakistan’s influence: Pakistan has historically had close ties with Central Asian countries, and India’s entry into the Ashgabat Agreement could challenge Pakistan’s influence in the region.

Conclusion:

India’s accession to the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018 is a significant step towards enhancing its connectivity and economic ties with the Central Asian countries. It also helps India counter the growing influence of China in the region and strengthens its position in the evolving geopolitical landscape of Central Asia.

DOWNLOAD PDF