| Summary: |
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. |
