Geopolitical Dimension of India’s Relations with Central Asia
[...]geo-economic dimensions give impetus for building a robust strategic partnership between India and Central Asian countries. [...]these three above-mentioned strategic arcs often operate simultaneously or interact in isolation in strengthening the existing relationship between India and Central...
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| Published in: | Indian foreign affairs journal : a quarterly of the Association of Indian Diplomats 2021-10, Vol.16 (4), p.351-366 |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | eng |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | [...]geo-economic dimensions give impetus for building a robust strategic partnership between India and Central Asian countries. [...]these three above-mentioned strategic arcs often operate simultaneously or interact in isolation in strengthening the existing relationship between India and Central Asian countries over the years.2 Keeping some of the above-mentioned geo-strategic postulates of India-Central Asia relations in mind, the present article has tried to address the following questions: 1.How far have India-Central Asian relations moved over the years from the strategic logic of "Extended Neighbourhood" to the "Connect Central Asia" policy framework? In the context of India-Central Asia relations, some of the common geo-cultural heritage, like worshipping Panchamahabut (Five elements of nature "Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space") and Buddhism, played a crucial role in strengthening the age-old historico-cultural relations between India and Central Asia. The discovery of Buddhist remnants in Kara Tepe near Termez in Uzbekistan is a testimony to India's cultural influence there.3 Along with Termez, archaeological excavations conducted at Penjikent (presently in Tajikistan) demonstrate India's influence in the art, craft and traditions of Central Asia. The discovery of Buddhist art and artefacts along with Sanskrit manuscripts in Ajina Tepe is a testimony to India's influence in Central Asia.5 Some of the archaeological excavations in Turkmenistan (Marv) and Kazakhstan also highlight remnants of the Buddhist culture. Another important aspect is the attempt made to institutionalise bilateral relations between India and the Central Asian countries. [...]in the 1990s, despite chaotic geopolitics in Central Asia, India made tactical inroads into the Central Asian geopolitical space. |
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| ISSN: | 0973-3248 2229-5372 |