The historic rapport of India with that of Central Asia is not limited to transactional engagements but relates to the convergence of civilizations, where ancient philosophies, cultures, and ideas have interacted over centuries. The archaic ties of India with Central Asia illustrate a harmonious blend of spiritual and material exchanges for centuries. The migration beyond the Western frontiers supported flourishing trade along the traditional Silk Road which has left an indelible imprint on the political landscape of the region. The shared heritage and the history of political migration underscores the significance of fostering deeper ties between India and Central Asia in a rapidly evolving contemporary geopolitical order. The collaboration between India and Central Asia today, is not just about securing economic and strategic interests but also about rekindling an ancient civilizational bond that underlines mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.
Central Asia is a part of India’s strategic neighborhood and, therefore, it occupies an important role in India’s foreign policy. Apart from the past, common interest binds India and Central Asia on a long-term basis because of shared principals and national goals. India deals with Central Asia at multiple levels. Firstly, at the bilateral level, secondly, at the multilateral level through platforms such as the SCO, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and the United Nations. Thirdly, multi-layered engagement between India and Central Asia such as the India-Central Asia Dialogue at the foreign minister’s level.
The Connect Central Asia Policy (2012) of India is a testament to this vision, directing to invigorate historical ties and establish new avenues of collaboration with the landlocked, yet politically animated region. The prospects of cooperation are although more significant as the region faces the challenges of radicalization, geopolitical competition, and economic volatility. A holistic engagement with an emerging power like India becomes crucial for stability, shared prosperity and collective security of the two great civilizations.
India-Central Asia relations have experienced a gradual growth irrespective of the absence of direct access. Increasing cooperation between India and Central Asia will promote security, stability, economic growth, and development of these countries along with providing energy security and a constructive regional role for India. High level exchanges between the two regions will lead to enhanced cooperation. However, there is an urgent need for India to leverage its economic and technical capacities with Central Asian countries. It will not only give strategic value to the India- Central Asia policy, but also augment goodwill between the two regions.
This Certificate Program on India-Central Asia Relations is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of these intricate subtleties, training participants with the knowledge to understand and comprehend the multifaceted coop of India with the region. The distinguished resource persons will explore themes of contemporary significance throughout the program and through this initiative, the participants will not only engage with the practical dimensions of India-Central Asia relations but also reflect on the broader philosophical underpinnings that guide India’s enduring commitment to building bridges across cultures and regions.

Objectives of the Certificate Program on India-Central Asia Relations
1. To develop an in-depth understanding of the historical, cultural, and civilizational ties between India and Central Asia.
2. To examine the subtleties of governmental and non-governmental cooperation with Central Asian nations, with an emphasis on Track-II diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges, and the role of educational and cultural initiatives in fostering strategic partnerships.
3. To analyze the geopolitical recalibrations in Central Asia following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, assessing their impact on India’s strategic interests and its nuanced approach to balancing relations with key regional actors.
4. To evaluate India’s ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy, encompassing economic, political, and socio-cultural dimensions, while scrutinizing India’s pursuit of greater regional integration through connectivity frameworks such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat Agreement.
5. To critically assess the evolution of security cooperation between India and Central Asian states, focusing on security collaborations, counter-terrorism efforts, and the implications of Afghanistan’s instability on regional security.
6. To investigate India’s pursuit of energy security through deeper engagement with Central Asian energy markets, assessing the strategic significance of initiatives such as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline and other emerging opportunities in the region’s energy landscape.
7. To analyze the strategic ramifications of China’s growing footprint in Central Asia through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other infrastructural investments, assessing their impact on India’s geopolitical leverage and regional ambitions.
8. To examine the intricate interplay of sectarianism, radicalization, and extremism in Central Asia, and critically assess the potential repercussions on India’s internal security and the broader regional stability.
9. To analyze India’s strategic engagement with multilateral organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), evaluating India’s role in shaping regional governance structures and cooperative frameworks.
10. To critically evaluate India’s strategic balancing act between major powers in Central Asia, including Russia, China, and the United States, while maintaining its policy of strategic autonomy and safeguarding its regional interests.
11. To investigate the strategic use of India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy tools, such as Buddhism, yoga, and historical civilizational ties, in strengthening India’s influence and fostering long-term partnerships in Central Asia.

What you'll learn

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