Recently, a ceasefire between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is prevailing subsequent to a day of fierce border clashes. The disputes have sadly led to approximately 40 fatalities and around 175 injuries. They belong to the Central Asia region, that also includes Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Background of the Dispute
The crux of the contention involves both countries claiming rights to an area around a water supply facility in Kok-Tash, an issue extending back to when they were constituents of the Soviet Union. Post the disintegration of the USSR in late 1991, Soviet map-drawers defined the boundaries between republics resulting in a tumultuous demarcation between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Approximately a third of the 1,000-km lengthy borderline is a subject of dispute, often ensuing in deadly confrontations due to constraints on land and water access.
International Response to Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire announcement has been positively received by Russia and European Union (EU), emphasising the requirement for a peaceful and enduring resolution.
India’s Interest in Central Asia
India harbours extensive interests in Central Asia, including security, energy resources, and economic prospects. Central Asia’s stability, prosperity, and security are essential for India’s peace and economic growth. This region acts as a terrestrial link between Asia and Europe, making it geopolitically crucial for India. The Republics of Central Asia (CARs) and India share numerous common perceptions on various regional and global issues and can significantly contribute towards regional stability.
Economic Ties: India and Central Asia
Central Asia is rich in natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas, antimony, aluminum, gold, silver, coal, and uranium, providing opportunities for India’s growing energy requirements. Furthermore, there is a significant potential for pulse cultivation owing to the large areas lying barren in Central Asia. The region is increasingly integrating into global markets for raw material production, supplies, and services, as well as the East-West Trans-Eurasian transit economic corridors.
India’s Initiatives in Central Asia
India is planning to extend the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, which would serve as an essential access point to Eurasian markets. India has proposed the formation of the ‘India-Central Asia Development Group’ to promote development partnerships between India and the Central Asian nations.
Political ties: India and Kyrgyzstan
Since 1991, India has maintained strong bilateral relations with Kyrgyzstan. They established diplomatic ties in 1992 and have signed multiple agreements on culture, trade, economic cooperation, civil aviation, investment promotion, avoidance of double taxation and more.
Defense Cooperation: India and Kyrgyzstan
In 2011, the two countries initiated the joint ‘Khanjar’ series of military exercises. Indian support for Kyrgyzstan has been reciprocated through their backing of India’s stand on Kashmir and endorsement of India’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
Economic and Cultural Ties: India and Tajikistan
India and Tajikistan advanced their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership level in 2012. Although trade between the two nations could be better, there are ongoing collaborations in the fields of food processing, mining, pharmaceuticals, textiles, skill development, science & technology, Information Technology, culture, and tourism.
India’s Assistance to Tajikistan
India has provided significant aid to Tajikistan over the years. This includes major food assistance in 2001-02, cash and in-kind grants worth USD 2 million to tackle a harsh winter crisis in 2008, provision of 2 million doses of oral polio vaccine in 2010, and donation of 10 Russian-made ambulances in 2018.
The Way Forward
Central Asia’s geographic location has placed it at the center of key political and economic transformations for centuries. With projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, India’s Connect Central Asia policy, and the EU’s new Central Asia strategy, the 21st century could offer significant opportunities for the region. India is well-positioned to play a more active role in the region’s development, with its growing global visibility and contributions to multilateral forums like the SCO. This allows India an opportunity to leverage its political, economic, and cultural connections to take on a leading role in Eurasia.
Last Modified: February 11, 2024