India emerges as a key infra player in Central Asia
ECONOMY & POLICY

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Taking Flight!

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on October 8, 2025, it marked far more than the opening of another terminal – it signified a turning point in India’s aviation and infrastructure narrative. Developed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) in partnership with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), NMIA represents a bold vision of how modern India intends to connect its people, power its economy and project its identity on the global stage.“The Navi Mumbai International Airport is a project that exemplifies the visio..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Highway Guidelines 2.0

In August 2025, a Public Accounts Committee comprising members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha presented a report, ‘Levy and Regulation of Fees, Tariffs, User Charges etc on Public Infrastructure and Other Public Utilities in the context of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).Having examined present design accountability, subcontracting, pavement failures, emergency response mechanisms, toll reforms, service quality, stakeholder consultations and other aspects, the Committee presented recommendations covering the planning a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Railways approves major upgrade for Telangana traction lines

The Ministry of Railways has approved the upgradation of the electric traction system in two crucial railway sections — Medchal–Mudkhed (225 km) and Mahbubnagar–Dhone (184 km). The projects, costing Rs 1.93 billion and Rs 1.23 billion respectively, will enhance the electric traction capacity from 1X25 KV to 2X25 KV. The work includes modifications to circuit breakers and switching stations, along with the installation of additional conductors. These routes serve as vital links between Northern and Southern India via Hyderabad. Once completed, the upgraded system will reduce voltage dro..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?