India's INSTC Connectivity Strategy amidst Geopolitical Complexities in the South Caucasus Region

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of East and South Asia Studies and Oceania , Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/jices.2025.390610.1085

Abstract

One of the important strategies in India's foreign policy is the "connectivity strategy," which seeks to strengthen ties with extended regions including Central Asia and the Caucasus region through transportation and infrastructure development. Indeed, India has strengthened its presence in Central Asia and the Caucasus region through international North-South transit Corridor (INSTC). The Central Asia and Caucasus region is strategically significant due to its geopolitical location and abundant energy resources, making it a focal point of competition between great and regional powers. India's presence, along with China, Russia, the United States, Pakistan, Iran, Türkiye, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, has further complicated the already intricate geopolitical landscape of the region. This research aims to identify the geopolitical challenges and opportunities India encounters via through the International North–South Transport Corridor, under the geopolitical sphere of the Caucasus region, specifically. The research suggests that in the light of the recent geopolitical landscape, India's facing both increased economic cooperation with Russia and economic- defensive cooperation with Armenia, and competitive challenges in the form of rival international corridors and increasing competing interests between the members of international North-South transit Corridor. The research analysis was conducted through a library research method, where relevant sources such as books, articles and websites were utilized to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

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