Q.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.
How to approach: Address all parts of the prompt systematically—covering positive dimensions, structural constraints, and a constructive Way Forward.
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Introduction
As former Vice President M. Hamid Ansari stated, "Central Asia has always been a part of India’s extended neighborhood." The region holds immense strategic significance for India due to its vast energy resources, trade potential, and critical role in regional security. However, the growing footprint of outside powers like China and Russia has made active Indian engagement in the region imperative.
Body
Central Asia: A Zone of Interest to India
- Strategic Connectivity: Access to Central Asia is currently blocked overland by Pakistan. India relies on alternative routes like the Chabahar Port in Iran and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- Energy Security: Central Asia possesses massive reserves of natural gas and uranium. Projects like the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline are crucial for diversifying India's energy basket.
- Security and Counterterrorism: Cooperation with Central Asian republics within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is vital for countering religious extremism and drug trafficking originating from Afghanistan.
Implications of India Joining the Ashgabat Agreement
India's accession to the Ashgabat Agreement in February 2018—a multimodal transport agreement between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Pakistan, and India—has significant geopolitical and economic implications:
1. Enhanced Connectivity with Central Asia
- Direct Access: It provides India with a formal transit corridor to Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan's transit restrictions.
- Chabahar Integration: The agreement complements India's investments in Iran's Chabahar Port, linking it directly to the Central Asian railway and road networks.
2. Countering China's Influence
- Alternative to BRI: China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has deeply entrenched Beijing in Central Asia through massive infrastructure loans. The Ashgabat Agreement offers Central Asian nations an alternative, transparent connectivity route.
- Strategic Balance: It allows India to assert its presence in a region historically dominated by Russia and increasingly influenced by China.
3. Economic Integration and Trade Expansion
- New Markets: It opens up landlocked Central Asian markets for Indian pharmaceuticals, information technology, and agricultural products.
- Reduced Transit Costs: By integrating with the INSTC, the agreement will significantly reduce the time and cost of moving goods between India and Eurasia.
4. Geopolitical Leverage and Strategic Autonomy
- Reduced Maritime Dependence: It enhances India's strategic autonomy by securing land-based supply routes, reducing reliance on congested maritime choke points controlled or monitored by rival powers.
Conclusion
Joining the Ashgabat Agreement is a milestone in India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy. It operationalizes India's connectivity initiatives, secures its energy interests, and positions New Delhi as an active stakeholder in the geopolitical dynamics of Eurasia.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2018 (Question 2) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper II — Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR → International Relations & Bilateral Groupings |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 10 Marks • 150 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 7–8 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Discuss: Conduct a comprehensive, 360-degree exploration of the topic covering multiple perspectives. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2018 GS2 (International Relations)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2018 GS Paper II question on International Relations?
This 2018 GS Paper II question carries 10 marks with a 150-word limit and uses the "Discuss" directive. Address all parts of the prompt systematically—covering positive dimensions, structural constraints, and a constructive Way Forward. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words) and aim to finish within 7–8 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2018 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper II — Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR under the syllabus module "International Relations & Bilateral Groupings". You can explore all repeated questions from International Relations in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all International Relations PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
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