Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.

The five Central Asian Republics (CARs) — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan — form India's 'extended neighbourhood', vital for energy, connectivity and security in a contested Eurasia.

Diplomatic engagement

• The 'Connect Central Asia' policy (2012) and the first India-Central Asia Summit (January 2022) institutionalised ties, alongside the India-Central Asia Dialogue at the foreign-minister level.
• Shared membership of the SCO deepens political contact.

Economic dimension

• Trade remains modest (a few billion dollars) but energy-rich CARs offer uranium (Kazakhstan supplies India), gas (the proposed TAPI pipeline) and minerals.
• Connectivity anchors include the Chabahar port, the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat Agreement.

Strategic dimension

• India maintains a presence at the Farkhor/Ayni facility in Tajikistan and cooperates on counter-terrorism, especially after developments in Afghanistan.

Constraints and significance

The lack of direct land access (Pakistan blocks overland routes), China's dominant Belt and Road footprint and Russia's traditional influence limit India's reach. Yet the CARs' location, hydrocarbons and role as a buffer against extremism make them increasingly significant to regional stability and the global energy-security balance. Deepening connectivity through Chabahar and INSTC and diversifying partnerships are India's critical levers.