Question

A number or outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone to interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.

Answer 1

India recently joined the Ashgabat Agreement, which was instituted in April 2011 to establish an international multimodal transport and transit corridor between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. Its objective is to enhance connectivity within the Eurasian region and synchronize it with other regional transport corridors, including the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Implication for India:

1. It will help in promotion of trade with Central Asian Country Eurasian region
2. It will synchronise India’s efforts to implement the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) for enhanced connectivity.
3. Chabahar port: Joining the agreement, opens up for enlarging operational and practical scope of Chabahar port.
4. Gateway to Central Asia: It will serve as a shortest route and vital route to Central Asia.
5. Afghanistan: It will help connect India with Afghanistan and also improve trade relations.
6. Pakistan: Reduce dependency of Pakistan for Both India and Afghanistan for transit and trade permits
7. Energy Security: Will help ease India’s energy requirement needs. It connects India with mineral rich regions of Central Asia

Way Forward
Resource rich region of Central Asia is also looking forward to increase its trade ties with India. This is a very good opportunity for India also to ease its dependency on Middle East region for its energy security needs.