The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Turkmenistan is a significant development in the cooperation efforts of both nations, particularly in the field of Disaster Management. This MoU aims to establish a system where both countries can mutually benefit from each other’s Disaster Management mechanisms. With an emphasis on strengthening preparedness, response, and capacity building, this joint effort mirrors the existing bilateral or multilateral agreements that India has with other countries.
Significance of the MoU in Disaster Management
The MoU signed between India and Turkmenistan seeks to leverage the disaster management systems of each country for mutual benefit. The focus is on fortifying the areas of preparedness, response, and capacity building within disaster management’s realm. This arrangement aligns with the present bilateral or multilateral agreements, MoUs, and joint declarations of Intent or Memorandums of Cooperation in disaster management that India has with Switzerland, Russia, Germany, Japan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Italy, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The Geopolitical Factors: Location of Turkmenistan and Central Asian Nations
Turkmenistan is centrally located in Asia, sharing borders with Kazakhstan in the north, Uzbekistan in the north and northeast, Iran in the south, and Afghanistan in the southeast. It holds strategic importance for India, considering the latter’s ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy 2012. This policy envisions deeper mutual relations with the region, with energy linkages being a crucial component.
The Role of the TAPI Pipeline and the Ashgabat Agreement
India has been actively involved in regional initiatives such as the Ashgabat agreement and the TAPI pipeline project. While the Ashgabat agreement seeks to set up an international transport and transit corridor linking Central Asia with the Persian Gulf, the TAPI pipeline is a key pillar connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Both initiatives aim to boost trade and investment significantly.
India-Turkmenistan Relations: A multi-faceted partnership
India’s relationship with Turkmenistan extends beyond disaster management and economic linkages. In 2015, a Hindi Chair was established at the Azadi Institute of World Languages in Ashgabat, where Hindi is taught to university students. Moreover, India continues to provide training for Turkmen nationals under the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) programme.
Turkmenistan, despite being a USD 40 billion plus economy, has underutilized bilateral trade potential with India. An increased Indian economic presence, particularly in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, can help balance future trade between the two nations.
Status of the India-Central Asia Dialogue
Continuing its engagement with Central Asian nations, the 3rd meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was recently held in New Delhi. As a ministerial-level dialogue, it involves Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, further strengthening India’s ties with these Central Asian countries.
