10.

 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. (10 marks)-  KABITA DAS (156
words) 

Located at the geostrategic centre of Eurasian landmass, Central Asia (CA) is one of the
resource endowed regions of the world. Outsiders indulge themselves to influence and
hegemony over the region, especially China and US. India also has stake on the region as
evident from its accession to a multimodal transport agreement in 2018- “ASHGABAT
AGREEMENT”.

IMPLICATIONS

Economic boost

 Increase operational scope of Chabahar port

 Synchronize existing trade corridors with INSTC that encompasses multimodal

routes connecting India with Russia, CA and Europe via Iran

 bypass Pakistani customs

 Access to high-value minerals of CA

Energy Security

 Augment India’s reach to Persian Gulf

 Ease energy dependency on middle-east

International Relations

 Improve relationship with Afghanistan

Concerns:

 High credit requirement

 Chinese Belt and Road Initiative

 US sanctions on Iran

 Security challenge

Ashgabat Agreement is India’s opportunity to stretch its economic borders thereby, to emerge
strong in global power politics.