Question #
A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India's joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.
Answer by Chad #
India's decision to join the Ashgabat Agreement in 2018 carries significant implications in the context of outside powers' entrenchment in Central Asia. The Ashgabat Agreement is a multimodal transport agreement between Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Oman, aimed at facilitating transit and improving connectivity within the region. By joining this agreement, India seeks to enhance its engagement with Central Asia for several reasons.
Firstly, Central Asia holds strategic importance to India due to its geographical proximity and historical, cultural, and economic linkages. India has long recognized the potential of Central Asia as an energy and trade corridor connecting South Asia, the Middle East, and Eurasia. Therefore, by joining the Ashgabat Agreement, India aims to deepen its economic and trade ties with the Central Asian nations involved.
Secondly, India's involvement in the Ashgabat Agreement allows it to counterbalance the influence of other outside powers that have already entrenched themselves in the region. Central Asia has become a significant playing field for various external actors, including Russia, China, and the United States. These powers have been actively expanding their economic, political, and security engagements in the region, often through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). By joining the Ashgabat Agreement, India asserts its presence and strengthens its position in a region that is considered their zone of interest.
Thirdly, the Ashgabat Agreement enables India to diversify its energy resources and reduce its dependence on traditional suppliers. Central Asia possesses vast reserves of oil, gas, and other minerals, making it an attractive source of energy for energy-importing countries like India. By increasing its connectivity and cooperation in the region, India can access and develop new energy sources, enhancing its energy security.
Furthermore, joining the Ashgabat Agreement aligns with India's broader foreign policy goal of expanding its influence and connectivity initiatives in the Eurasian region. India's Connect Central Asia policy, implemented in 2012, aims to enhance its engagement with the Central Asian countries through connectivity projects, capacity building, cultural exchanges, and trade facilitation. By joining the Ashgabat Agreement, India can integrate its existing efforts with regional initiatives, gaining greater access to markets and forging stronger diplomatic ties.
In conclusion, India's decision to join the Ashgabat Agreement in 2018 has significant implications in the context of outside powers' entrenchment in Central Asia. It allows India to enhance economic ties, counterbalance the influence of other external actors, diversify its energy sources, and strengthen its overall engagement in the region. By joining this regional agreement, India bolsters its position and marks its presence in a zone of interest that holds great importance for its geopolitical and strategic interests.