1Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur
2Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur
Online published on 10 September, 2019.
The Great Game which divided Persia into a Russian-controlled northern zone, a nominally independent central zone, and a British-controlled southern zone, officially ended with the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907. After the end of Cold War, Central Asia became the central point of attention for the world powers, US, Russia and China, EU etc. and many other regional players. Possessing divergent interests, the competition among external powers in the region is popularly termed as the New Great Game. Central Asian governments are working to use renewed external involvement for their sovereign advantages and, thereby, extract economic and political benefits wherever possible. India considers the region as geo-strategically vital to fulfill its various interests like energy, trade, and investment, security etc.and both the regions own multifaceted historical ties. Apart from economic and other commercial interests, India also considers the region vital for the security and stability of Afghanistan. At present, the Middle East accomplishes the required energy imports of India but in recent times, the region turned more unstable. Hence Indian policymakers started thinking about an alternative source and identified Central Asia as the best option. Therefore, economic diplomacy remains India's basic policy thrust towards the region and needs no clash but a compatibility of interests with the new states.
