India-Central Asia Relations: Connectivity and Energy

TOPIC CLASSIFICATION

Subject: International Relations - Regional Relations - Central Asia
Sub-topic: India-Central Asia Relations - The Five Central Asian Republics (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan - C5), India-Central Asia Dialogue, Connectivity (International North-South Transport Corridor - INSTC, Ashgabat Agreement, Chabahar Port, TAPI Gas Pipeline, UZBEKISTAN-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Rail Link), Energy Cooperation (Oil and gas, Uranium from Kazakhstan, Hydrocarbons), Security Cooperation (Terrorism - IMU, ETIM, Afghanistan situation, Joint Military Exercises - 'Khanjar'), Historical Links (Ancient Silk Route, Buddhism, Mughals, Chagatai ties), Cultural and Diaspora Links, Act Central Asia Policy (2012 - updated 2023), India-Central Asia Summit (First Virtual Summit - 2022), Strategic Competition with China (Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia - China's dominance), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO - India's engagement with Central Asia within SCO)
Mains GS Paper-II: International Relations - India's extended neighbourhood - Central Asia's geostrategic importance and India's connectivity challenges.

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EXAMINER REASONING

Central Asia is part of India's 'Extended Neighbourhood' and is geostrategically important for connectivity, energy security, and counter-terrorism. Prelims tests: C5 countries and their capitals, INSTC, Ashgabat Agreement, Chabahar, TAPI pipeline, 'Khanjar' exercise (Kyrgyzstan), India-Central Asia Summit (2022), First India-Central Asia Summit in Delhi (planned 2025), SCO, BIMSTEC-like mechanism, Uranium from Kazakhstan,...