Central Asian Republics: India's Shifting Foreign Policy Landscape under Narendra Modi

Since the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and the subsequent formation of independent republics in Central Asia, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the region has become a focal point for complex 
competition among regional and international powers. This study seeks to examine and analyze the evolution of India's foreign policy towards Central Asia under Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2014- ) and the factors that have influenced this transformation. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the emergence of independent Central  Asian republics, which sparked a complex competition among regional and international powers in the region. Recognizing the significance of Central Asia, India established diplomatic ties with these republics. The research problem addressed in this article is to understand how India's foreign policy towards Central Asia has evolved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, considering the region's geopolitical importance, India's pursuit of energy resources, security concerns related to Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan, and its aspiration for regional influence. The primary research question centers on the key drivers and motivations behind India's shifting foreign policy approach towards Central Asia under Prime Minister Modi. To investigate this research question, a comprehensive research method employing qualitative analysis of primary and secondary sources is utilized. Primary sources include government documents, official statements, and diplomatic agreements, while secondary sources encompass scholarly articles, books, and reports. Adopting a multi-disciplinary approach encompassing political science, international relations, and area studies, this study aims to achieve a holistic 
understanding of India's evolving foreign policy towards Central Asia. The theoretical framework of this research is grounded in theories of international relations, foreign policy analysis, and regional studies. Concepts such as regionalism, power competition, strategic alignment, and non-alignment are applied to examine India's engagements in 
Central Asia and their broader implications for regional stability and India's global positioning. The goals of this research are to provide a comprehensive analysis of India's shifting foreign policy landscape in Central Asia under Prime Minister Modi. The study aims to identify the key factors and drivers influencing India's strategic engagements, economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and security collaborations with the Central Asian republics. Furthermore, it seeks to assess the impact of India's presence in Central Asia on its broader foreign policy objectives, regional influence, and alignment with global powers. The expected results of this study will contribute to the academic discourse on India's foreign policy, international relations, and the geopolitical dynamics of Central Asia. It is anticipated that the research will reveal the evolving significance of Central Asia for India, shedding light on the motivations behind India's engagements and policies providing insights into the strategic calculations and aspirations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in the region.