India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), Sushma Swaraj, has taken part in the first India-Central Asia Dialogue held in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan. The conference, which included participation from not only five Central Asian states but also war-stricken Afghanistan, explored various issues like improving connectivity and strengthening Afghanistan. The next India-Central Asia Dialogue is set to be hosted by India in 2020. India’s proposition to create the ‘India-Central Asia Development Group’ aims to enhance the development partnership between India and the Central Asian countries.
Aims of the India-Central Asia Dialogue
The primary focus of this dialogue was to address numerous topics, primarily centering on ways to enhance connectivity and restore peace and stability in Afghanistan. Considering the rich resources in Central Asia and China’s extensive inroads into the region, this dialogue could potentially signal a significant expansion of India’s influence there. Furthermore, it represents a strategic opportunity for India to combat terrorism more effectively, particularly in Afghanistan.
Proposed Development Group and Trade Connectivity
India proposed the formation of an ‘India-Central Asia Development Group’, designed to foster a development partnership between India and Central Asia. Anticipated to broaden New Delhi’s presence in Central Asia, this group indicates an assertive step toward combating terrorism, including that in Afghanistan.
To boost trade, presently under $2 billion, India suggested discussing air corridors with these landlocked Central Asian nations. Moreover, the Central Asia Republics were invited by India to contribute to the Chabahar Port project.
The Ashgabat Agreement and Its Relevance
Entered in 2018 by India, the Ashgabat Agreement’s goal is to forge an international multimodal transport and transit corridor linking Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. The agreement was initially signed by Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Oman, and Qatar on 25 April 2011. However, Qatar withdrew in 2013 while Kazakhstan and Pakistan joined the group in 2016. The agreement became effective in April 2016.
| Country | Joined in Year |
|---|---|
| Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Oman, Qatar | 2011 |
| Qatar (withdrawn) | 2013 |
| Kazakhstan, Pakistan | 2016 |
| India | 2018 |
Objective of the Ashgabat Agreement
The Ashgabat Agreement primarily aims at enhancing connectivity within the Eurasian region. It intends to synchronize it with other regional transport corridors, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Enhancing trade and forging stronger connections within these countries is a key objective.
India-Uzbekistan Relation in the Context of the Dialogue
With the dialogue taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the event highlights the evolving relationship between India and Uzbekistan. This relation could see further enrichment with future cooperation and mutual dialogue through such platforms.