Central Asia

Central Asia is a strategic, landlocked Eurasian subregion comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, positioned at the geopolitical crossroads of South Asia, East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Under International Relations

• It forms India's extended neighbourhood, essential for maintaining continental security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and regional stability in Eurasia.
• The region holds critical energy resources, including uranium, crude oil, and natural gas, necessary for diversifying India's long-term energy basket.
• It acts as a primary focal point for India's overland trade connectivity efforts through transit initiatives like Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor to overcome geographical access constraints.

UPSC frames questions on Central Asia within GS Paper II by focusing on India's Connect Central Asia Policy, multilateral engagement through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and strategic balancing against major regional powers. Candidates are evaluated on their ability to analyze trade connectivity bottlenecks, energy diplomacy, and security dynamics stemming from Eurasian geopolitics. Strong answers demonstrate how India uses institutional frameworks, soft power, and alternative transit routes to offset the lack of direct territorial access.

• Bilateral, regional, global groupings and agreements: impact on India GS2