A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Central Asia and the relations between Indian and Central Asia.

The dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s led to the establishment of the Central Asian countries that gained independence.

India was one of the first countries in the region to establish diplomatic relations with all five countries. Over the last three decades, the two sides’ diverse engagement has steadily improved

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

The Silk Route connected India with Central Asia from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD. From the export of Buddhism to the lasting influence of Bollywood, India has shared old and deep cultural ties with the region.

In 1955, during a 16-day visit to the erstwhile Soviet Union, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru travelled to Almaty, Tashkent, and Ashgabat, all of which became capitals of newly-independent countries after the 1991 collapse of the USSR

Central Asia is extremely rich in mineral and natural resources. For example:

Kazakhstan has one of the biggest reserves of uranium, besides stores of coal, lead, zinc, gold, and iron ore.

The Kyryz Republic is rich in gold and hydro-power.

Turkmenistan has one of the world’s largest reserves of natural gas.

Tajikistan has huge hydro-power potential.

Uzbekistan has gold, uranium, and natural gas.

India has strategic partnerships with all countries in the region except Turkmenistan, which pursues a policy of ‘permanent neutrality’. India has strong cultural presence in the region and traditionally enjoys immense goodwill among the people.

The first India-Central Asia Summit took place in 2022 which marked the 30th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic relations. India has deepened its strategic engagement with the region’s republics.

India, engagement with the Central Asian countries is important because

Security cooperation after the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan;

To counter China’s influence in the region; plans for connectivity with Europe including the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC);

Conclusion:

You may add following lines to the conclusion:

Indian leader and the five Central Asian leaders decided to:

Hold a leaders’ summit every two years; regular meetings among their foreign and trade ministers;

A joint working group on Afghanistan;

Joint counter-terrorism exercises between India and interested Central Asian countries; and

Group to operationalise the use of Chabahar port by all five countries.

There have been suggestions that India should provide connectivity for people and trade in Central Asia through “air corridors”, as it had done for Afghanistan. New Delhi’s leadership of the SCO this year may provide it an opportunity to diversify relations with this strategic region.

Other Points to Consider:

China’s strategy for Central Asia

Resources in Central Asia

Places in News (Conflict region)

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