India’s Strategic and Security Interests in Central Asia

Central Asia is a region of geo-political, strategic and economic significance owing to its location and hydrocarbon resources. As a consumer market it still remains to be exploited. This has led to increasing interest in CARs by various countries. India as an extended neighbour of CARs has major strategic and economic interests in this region. The future prospects for cooperation between Central Asia and India in the field of energy security seem to be very important. Peace and stability in CARs and Afghanistan seems to be the most crucial factor for India's security. There is already a realisation by the world powers of the danger posed by religious extremism and terrorism. Therefore India should take advantage of the situation and cooperate with other world powers to overcome this rising menace of religious extremism.