Quest for Energy, Connectivity and Security: India-Central Asia Relations During the UPA Rule

Dave, Bhavna

Abstract

This chapter seeks to identify the processes that shaped India’s diplomacy towards Central Asia under the two United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments, leading to the adoption of ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy and its ensuing implementation. The chapter analyses the policies and measures adopted by the UPA in four key areas: (i) connectivity; (ii) energy partnerships; (iii) strategic engagement; and (iv) multilateral cooperation. It details how India-Central Asia relations evolved during the period through adjustment to a number of important geopolitical shifts in the region. In conclusion, the chapter notes that being at a geographical disadvantage that turned it into a late mover to the region, India, during the UPA period, has had to carve out its options through an enhanced multilateral cooperation with a range of actors and institutions and build on the niches where it possessed a distinct edge.

Citation

Dave, B. Quest for Energy, Connectivity and Security: India-Central Asia Relations During the UPA Rule. In R. K. Laskar (Ed.), Forging New Partnerships, Breaching New Frontiers India's Diplomacy during the UPA Rule 2004-14 (265-290). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780192868060.003.0010

• Online Publication Date: Jan 1, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jan 27, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 27, 2023
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Pages: 265-290
• Book Title: Forging New Partnerships, Breaching New Frontiers India's Diplomacy during the UPA Rule 2004-14
• ISBN: 9780192868060
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780192868060.003.0010
• Keywords: Central Asia, India-Central Asia, United Progressive Alliance, UPA governments, Connect Central Asia, Connectivity, Energy partnerships