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. (150 words)

Central Asia is a region of great interest to India, given its strategic location and rich natural resources. However, several outside powers have entrenched themselves in the region, posing a challenge to India’s interests. India’s recent joining of the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018 has several implications in this context:

Implications for India:

Promoting trade with Central Asia: India’s membership in the Ashgabat Agreement will help promote trade with the Central Asian countries and the Eurasian region.
Synchronization of efforts: It will synchronize India’s efforts to implement the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) for enhanced connectivity.
Chabahar port: Joining the agreement opens up the possibility of enlarging the operational and practical scope of the Chabahar port.
Gateway to Central Asia: It will serve as the shortest and most vital route to Central Asia for India.
Afghanistan: The agreement will help connect India with Afghanistan and improve trade relations between the two countries.
Reduced dependency on Pakistan: Joining the Ashgabat Agreement will reduce the dependency of India and Afghanistan on Pakistan for transit and trade permits.
Energy security: It will help ease India’s energy requirement needs, as it connects India with the mineral-rich regions of Central Asia.

Way forward:

India must leverage its membership in the Ashgabat Agreement to increase its trade ties with the Central Asian countries and promote regional connectivity.
India must also engage in dialogue with other outside powers in the region to safeguard its interests and maintain regional stability.
India should continue to invest in the development of Chabahar port as a strategic gateway to Central Asia and as an alternative to Gwadar port in Pakistan.