PM Modi visit to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic: Why Central Asia matters for India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Central Asia this weekend, with stops in Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. This marks a continuation of India's strategic outreach to the region, which began in earnest in 2012 under the "Connect Central Asia" policy. Central Asia, comprising Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, is of significant importance to India due to its rich mineral and natural resource reserves, as well as its cultural and civilizational ties with the country.

The region, often seen as Russia's backyard, is a valuable source of uranium, coal, lead, zinc, gold, iron ore, hydro-power, and natural gas. India's engagement in the region aims to address security concerns following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, counter China's influence, and foster connectivity initiatives such as the International North-South Transit Corridor.

Additionally, India seeks to integrate its proposed Chabahar port in Iran with Central Asia to access these resources while mitigating the threat of radicalism and potential instability in the region, particularly in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.