Indian Diplomacy in Central Asia Getting Eclipsed Under Chinese Influence and Possible Way Out

Abstract

Until the Russian disintegration in 1991, India’s connection with Central Asia was mainly historic and culture-based. The disintegration of the erstwhile Soviet Union coincided well with India’s growing adaptation to the world economy through its New Economic Policy of 1991. Coincidentally, by this time, Central Asia was emerging as a potent provider of energy resources, which India sought to secure in order to support its development campaign. India strategically focused on Central Asia through various policies, such as the Extended Neighbourhood, Immediate and Strategic Neighbourhood, and Look North Policy, followed by the most important Connect Central Asia Policy of 2012. Indian diplomatic efforts gained momentum from 2014, with a series of visits by Indian leaders, beginning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to all five Central Asian republics in July 2015. This visit by the Indian PM was followed by numerous visits from other Indian leaders, including the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, and many others, with the process continuing.