The Prime Minister of India recently held the first-ever India-Central Asia Summit. The summit saw the participation of Presidents from the Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Republic of Uzbekistan. This groundbreaking meeting was organized to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Central Asian countries.
The First India-Central Asia Summit
Only two days after a similar China-Central Asia Conference, the India-Central Asia Summit took place in a virtual setting. Notably, China pledged to increase trade from $40 billion to a whopping $70 billion a year, alongside a promise of $500 million assistance. Regardless, India’s Summit focused on strengthening its relationships with Central Asian countries, offering numerous proposals to boost cooperation.
Institutionalization of the Summit
A historical decision was made by the leaders to institutionalize the Summit mechanism. It is scheduled to occur every two years with regular meetings involving Foreign Ministers, Trade Ministers, Culture Ministers, and Secretaries of the Security Council. To support this new mechanism, an India-Central Asia Secretariat will be established in New Delhi.
Building Cooperative Relationships
Leaders discussed far-reaching proposals that varied from trade and connectivity to defense and security. These included conducting joint counter-terrorism exercises, special courses for Central Asian diplomats in India and more. A comprehensive Joint Declaration was adopted, outlining their shared vision of creating a strong and lasting partnership between India and Central Asia.
A Focus on Ensuring Stability in Afghanistan
The leaders emphasized their commitment towards a peaceful, secure, and stable Afghanistan. India pledged its continued support for providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
India’s Position on Central Asian Countries
In relation to Kazakhstan, India acknowledged its pivotal role in India’s energy security. In the case of Uzbekistan, the state governments of India are active partners in deepening their cooperation. There is a longstanding cooperation in the field of security with Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan is an essential component of India’s vision for regional connectivity.
The Summit’s Significance for India amidst Geo-Political Dynamics
Due to escalating tensions between Western countries and also India’s border issues with China and the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the summit plays a critical role. It underlines the importance of a comprehensive and enduring India-Central Asia partnership. India’s trade with these countries is minimal, despite always maintaining strong diplomatic ties. However, joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2017 was a step towards engaging more directly with the region.
Security Concerns Addressed in the Summit
As the region is crucial to India’s security policy, the summit marks a significant stride for India’s diplomacy. It also sets the stage for India’s multifaceted approach towards the Central Asian region.
The India-Central Asia Dialogue
This ministerial-level dialogue encompasses Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The primary focus includes enhancing connectivity and stabilizing war-ravaged Afghanistan.
India and Central Asia: A Look to the Future
India must recognize Central Asia as a zone of its civilizational influence while shaping its future strategies. Notably, the Ferghana Valley, which connects India with three countries: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, carries historical significance. Despite the strong economic ties they have with China, Central Asian countries remain wary of growing Chinese influence. Thus, India can leverage its cultural and historical ties to strengthen its relationship with these nations. However, India’s soft power in the region is fading with generational change, highlighting a need for a value-driven cultural policy to rebuild India-Central Asia bonds.