China factor in India’s Central Asia Policy

Abstract

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Central Asian states by virtue of their geopolitical possessions and geostrategic locations have attracted the attentions of the countries of the region and beyond. The regional countries also left no stone unturned to influence the region in the foray of geo-economic competition. The neighbours deliberately attempted to establish close relationship with CAS, initially economic but increasingly also political and security. Particularly, China has seriously busy in massive economic engagements with the countries of the region. The recent Silk Road Initiative and pipeline diplomacy is evident enough to attest Chinese growing influence and visibility in the region. While its proximate neighbor India is sitting at the fence as mute spectator in spite of having strong historical ties, cultural bonding and superb friendship with all the countries of the region. It is in this context, this research article makes it a thrust to examine India’s area of interests and policy issues in Central Asia and investigates the China factor as determinant of its policy towards what New Delhi claims as strategic neighbourhood.