India emerges as a key infra player in Central Asia

India has emerged as an important juggernaut in infrastructure projects in Central Asia. While consolidating its geopolitical influence in the region and around the world, the country, unlike China, has demonstrated its acumen in infrastructure and technology, as well as a genuine commitment to positively supporting overall growth and development.

India's Dushanbe-Chortut highway project in Tajikistan is a testimony to the fact. A $20 million gift from the Indian President. Built by India's Border Roads Organization (BRO) the projects consist of a 4.44km eight-lane (two-way) expressway that will ease congestion in the national capital of Tajikistan. As of December 12, 2022, the project has reached 90.57% physical progress.

Likewise in Uzbekistan, a $448 million Line of Credit (LoC) backed by the Indian government is helping the Republic Scientific Specialized Allergy Center. India offers similar LoCs to other Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. New Delhi is also firmly committed to improving the connectivity of the hinterland with the outside world through Iran's Chabahar Port and integrating it into the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Different from China's controversial "One Belt, One Road" initiative, India has always adhered to the position of respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity on interconnection projects, a position that has been recognized by Central Asian countries.

"Participants agreed that connectivity initiatives should be based on the principles of transparency, broad participation, local priority, fiscal sustainability, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries," read a joint communiqué issued after the first meeting between India and Central Asia. Earlier in December 2022, the NSA/Security Council Secretary, chaired by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, released in New Delhi.