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.

Theme

T119 Central Asia: connectivity & strategic presence

What UPSC asks in this theme

Questions ask about India's ties with Central Asian Republics and the Ashgabat Agreement amid outside powers.

What to cover

• Connect Central Asia policy; India–Central Asia Summit
• Connectivity: INSTC, Chabahar, Ashgabat Agreement
• Energy, uranium, security (terror, Afghanistan)
• Competition with China and Russia

Writing the answer

• Connectivity-centred answer with specific routes

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 2 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.