Central Asia in the Foreign Policy Formulation of India

According to Mackinder, Central Asia is the epicentre of world politics. Strategically several, major powers have a stake in Central Asia’s geopolitical future and India could not remain aloof. Due to its abundance in natural resources, particularly oil and gas, the area is vital and is rapidly expanding its significance in both regional and international energy markets. Considering the evolving equations of the twenty-first century like the Russia-Ukraine war, re-establishment of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, and the emergence of a more powerful and aggressive China under the leadership of Xi Jinping, it is imperative for India to have close relations with the countries of Central Asia.