India has not been able to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian countries despite their significance. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how India can deepen its relationship with countries in this region.

The Central Asian countries include the erstwhile Soviet Republic countries of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Central Asia acts as a gateway between West Asia and South Asia.

Significance:

• Energy security (uranium, oil, gas).
• Real earth elements.
• Trade and connectivity – Gateway to West Asia.
• Geo-strategic importance.
• Cultural significance, people to people ties.

Despite the significance, India has not been able to strengthen its ties with Central Asia.

Reasons:

• Absence of direct connectivity.
• Increasing presence of China.
• Pakistan acting as a hindrance to reach Central Asian countries.
• Lack of equal trade ties.
• Chabahar port in Iran has also been delayed.

To harness the available potential and deepen ties, following steps can be taken:

• India should explore the route to directly reach central Asia through Turkmenistan, Iran.
• Cooperation in areas of pharmaceuticals, agri-products, gems and jewellery.
• Energy agreements and MoUs should be signed.
• Also India should follow the policy of promise and delivery.

The Central Asian countries remain important, considering the growing energy needs of India. Therefore, the ties need to be strengthened.