India and Central Asia: Redefining Energy and Trade Links

This monograph studies India’s economic relations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Endowed with rich hydrocarbon reserves, the Central Asian republics provide India with a reliable alternative source of oil and gas. Hydroelectric projects with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the two republics rich in water resources, are also worth exploring. Besides energy, there is scope for expanding cooperation to other areas for mutual benefit. The share of trade with these republics in India’s total trade basket is meagre. One of the major impediments in developing vibrant trade with the region is the lack of direct transport links. Not surprisingly, the region’s strategic location and rich resources have attracted international attention. Hence India’s position in the region has to take into account the greater geopolitics of oil and gas and the presence of the major external players in the region like Russia, China and the United States.