Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
3. India’s engagement with the Central Asian Republics is expected to help improve mutual security and regional economic prosperity. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
NSA Ajit Doval’s meeting with his Central Asia counterparts this month is part of India’s push to widen and deepen ties with countries in the region. The outreach is aimed at ensuring security, and political and economic benefits from the engagement.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the manner in which India can manage opportunities and challenges in central Asia.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context as to how central Asia is India’s “extended neighborhood”
Body:
In the first part, mention the economic considerations of India in that region – India for priority development projects in energy, healthcare, connectivity, IT, agriculture, education, etc.
Next, write about long-term security threats emanating out of the region especially in regard to the recent changes witnessed in Afghanistan.
Also, mention India’s ‘Connect Central Asia Policy’, role of INSTC and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the above-mentioned aspects.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to better manage ties.
