Understanding India Connect Central Asia Policy

A Study on India- Uzbekistan Relations

Abstract

Central Asia was a part of India's 'Extended neighbourhood policy' which was established in the year 2006 under the Pranab Mukherjee then Minister of External Affairs. The main aim of the policy was to establish of universities, hospitals, telecommunications, information technology (IT), improving air connectivity for the boosting of trade and tourism, strategic partnerships in defence and strategic areas. India gains access to the natural resources which are available in the region. This initiative was taken to improve the economic growth of India and expand the economic borders of India to Central Asia. One of the concerned countries involved in this policy is the Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is one of the major countries of the Central Asian Region (CAR). It is the largest military power in the region; it has one of the world largest productions of uranium and gold. India shares a historical relationship with the country Uzbekistan, Sufism which exists in India came from the Uzbekistan which was the head of Sufi learning. Over the years there has been strong relationship between the two nations especially during the Soviet period where Jawaharlal Nehru visited the Uzbek ASSR. In the Connect Central Asia policy, Uzbekistan has established good military relations with both nations having military exercises. There has been strong development in the energy sector relations. This paper is an attempt to understand the India-Uzbekistan relations since the establishment of the Connect Central Asia Policy. It further focuses on the challenges and opportunities for both the concerned countries. The research methodology adopted is qualitative, descriptive and analytical in nature and has used secondary sources in the form of books, research papers, government reports (primary sources), publications and newspaper sources.