Connect Central Asia Policy

India's Connect Central Asia Policy is a framework for building broad-based relations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Articulated in 2012, it seeks multidimensional engagement covering politics, security, commerce, connectivity, development cooperation and people-to-people ties.

Political and security objectives

The policy aims to sustain regular high-level political engagement and develop enduring strategic partnerships with the Central Asian republics.

• It seeks stronger security cooperation through military training, joint research and exchanges between security institutions.
• It promotes cooperation against terrorism and extremism, along with consultations on Afghanistan and regional stability.
• It encourages coordination in regional and multilateral forums on shared concerns.

Economic, energy and connectivity objectives

A central objective is to convert political goodwill into greater trade, investment and access to the region's markets and resources.

• India seeks long-term partnerships in energy and natural resources, including hydrocarbons and civil nuclear energy.
• The policy aims to improve transport and commercial access through the International North-South Transport Corridor and stronger air links.
• It supports wider cooperation in agriculture, construction, banking and other commercially viable sectors.

Development and societal partnerships

The policy seeks relationships that directly benefit Central Asian societies and build durable goodwill towards India.

• It promotes capacity-building in higher education, information technology and professional training.
• It envisages cooperation in healthcare through affordable treatment, medical facilities and telemedicine.
• It strengthens cultural exchanges, tourism and other people-to-people contacts, supported by tele-education and digital networks.