The Indian President recently made a notable first-time visit to Turkmenistan, where he entered into four agreements related to financial intelligence and disaster management. The visit aimed to enhance bilateral trade and energy collaboration, aiming to fortify the multifaceted partnership between the two nations. An earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed between India and Turkmenistan with a focus on Cooperation in Disaster Management.
Highlights of the Bilateral Meet
Several key points were highlighted during the meet, including the significance of the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat Agreement on International Transport and Transit Corridor. It was suggested that the Chabahar port, built by India in Iran, could be leveraged to boost trade connections between India and Central Asia.
Additionally, discussions revolved around the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline, where India proposed addressing pipeline security issues and key business elements in technical and expert-level meetings.
India conveyed its readiness to collaborate with Turkmenistan in the digitalisation drive, proposing space exploration as a potential area for cooperative efforts. Given India and Turkmenistan’s historical and cultural ties, the importance of hosting regular cultural events in each other’s territories was underscored.
The countries also emphasised the need for cooperation in managing the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and agreed to enhance cooperation under the framework derived from the India-Central Asia Summit.
Regional Consensus on Afghanistan
Both India and Turkmenistan share a broad regional consensus concerning Afghanistan. This includes the formation of a truly representative and inclusive government, combating terrorism and drug trafficking, centring the UN’s role, providing immediate humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, and safeguarding the rights of women, children, and minority groups.
Key Points of India-Turkmenistan Relations
Turkmenistan is strategically located in Central Asia, sharing borders with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. India’s ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy 2012 envisions deepening mutual relations with the region, with energy linkage being an essential element of this policy.
India has joined the Ashgabat agreement which aims to establish an international transport and transit corridor linking Central Asia with the Persian Gulf to augment trade and investment significantly. The TAPI pipeline is considered a ‘key pillar’ in India’s economic ties with Turkmenistan.
In the sphere of culture and education, the 2015-established Hindi Chair at the Azadi Institute of World Languages in Ashgabat teaches Hindi to university students.
Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, India offers training to Turkmen nationals. On the diplomatic front, Turkmenistan supports India’s permanent position in the UN Security Council.
Economically, while Turkmenistan boasts a USD 40 billion-plus economy, bilateral trade with India is yet to reach its full potential. Enhancing India’s economic presence in Turkmenistan, particularly in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, could help balance future trade.
The Role of Natural Gas Reserves and Central Asia Dialogue
Turkmenistan possesses highly significant reserves of natural gas. Its strategic placement in Central Asia makes it a potentially valuable partner for India in terms of connectivity.
The recent 3rd meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue held in New Delhi constituted a ministerial-level discussion between India and Central Asian countries namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
This article, therefore, aims to offer insights into the ongoing diplomatic developments between India and Turkmenistan, further underlining their geopolitical and socio-economic relations. This information might be helpful for students preparing for UPSC Civil Services Examination and other competitive exams.