Articles

Central Asia: A Look Back at 2022 and Projections for 2023

Dr Pravesh Kumar Gupta, Senior Research Associate, VIF Article

Background

The year 2022 has been challenging for the Central Asian region. In addition to the widespread anti-government protests resulting from the tumultuous internal socio-economic and political environment, the external impact of the....

January 04, 2023 International Relations and Diplomacy , Central Asia , Article , China , Russia , SCO , Protests , Central Asia , elections , Turkey , EU , reforms , Railways , Connectivity , CSTO , Ukraine Crisis , Karakalpakstan , Consultative meetings

Revitalization of INSTC and Prospects of the Greater Eurasian Connectivity

The geostrategic significance of Central Asia is very much important from India’s foreign policy and domestic policy points of view. Central Asia shares a border with China in the East, Caspian in the West, Russia in the North, and Iran and Afghani....

December 30, 2022 International Relations and Diplomacy , Central Asia , China , Russia , INSTC , Chabahar Port , Central Asia , Iran , North-South Transport Corridor

India’s SCO Presidency and its implications for India-Central Asia connectivity

Amb D P Srivastava, Distinguished Fellow, VIF

India became a permanent member of SCO in 2017. Since joining, New Delhi has made a substantial contribution to this organisation by raising certain critical concerns relating to connectivity, transportation, regional security, and economic growth ....

December 22, 2022 International Relations and Diplomacy , Central Asia , INSTC , Iran , Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan , Chabahar , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan , Podcast , SCO summit

The significance of the First Meeting of India-Central Asia NSAs

Dr Pravesh Kumar Gupta, Senior Research Associate, VIF Commentary

Introduction

On December 6, 2022, the National Security Advisors/Secretaries (NSAs) of India and Central Asian countries met for the first time in Delhi. The meeting was hosted by India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and attended ....

December 15, 2022 International Relations and Diplomacy , Central Asia , Commentary , INSTC , Afghanistan , Radicalism , Chabahar , Terror Financing , Counter terrorism , Connectivity

Why is Early Presidential Elections in Kazakhstan Significant?

Dr Pravesh Kumar Gupta, Senior Research Associate, VIF Commentary

Background

The incumbent President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev won by a landslide in an early presidential election on November 20, 2022. He was reelected because the Kazakh people trusted him and supported a fair g....

December 01, 2022 International Relations and Diplomacy , Central Asia , Commentary , Kazakhstan , Tokayev , Snap Elections , January Protests , Constitutional reforms , Observers , Exit polls , political opposition

The China-Xinjiang-Central Asia Triangle: A Relationship beyond Economics and Religion

Tejusvi Shukla Commentary

Over 50 countries in a joint statement condemned China’s alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang on 31st October, 2022. Yet again, none of the Muslim-majority countries from Central Asia which share both religious and ethnic ties with Xinjiang ....

November 03, 2022 International Relations and Diplomacy , Central Asia , China , Commentary , Central Asia , Terrorism , separatism , Radical Islam , Security , energy , Xinjiang , Human Rights

First Russia-Central Asia Summit: A Reflection of Deep Connect between the Two Regions

Dr Pravesh Kumar Gupta, Senior Research Associate, VIF Commentary

Background

During the ongoing Ukrainian crisis, Russia’s relations with its near abroad, namely the Central Asian region, have been put to test. Central Asian Republics (CARs) have maintained a middle-ground approach, neither opposing n....

October 25, 2022 International Relations and Diplomacy , Central Asia , Commentary , US , Russia , INSTC , Afghanistan , Taliban , Chabahar , Tajikistan , Ukrainian crisis , Unified Energy System , Transport Corridors , Astana

Discussion on Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Achievements and Prospects

Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), organized a Round Table Discussion on “Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Achievements and Prospects” on September 5, 2022. Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director VIF, delivered the welcome remarks, followed by r....

September 30, 2022 International Relations and Diplomacy , Central Asia , Interaction , SCO , INSTC , Chabahar , FTA , Shanghai Cooperation , SCO Startup Forum

PM Modi’s Visit to Samarkand

Amb D P Srivastava, Distinguished Fellow, VIF Article

Prime Minister Modi visited Samarkand to take part in the 22nd Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on 15-16th September 2022. He also had bilateral meetings with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev President Putin of Russia, President Ebra....

September 26, 2022 International Relations and Diplomacy , Central Asia , Article , Development , strategy , UNSG , Amrut Kaal , NSS , planning

Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Border Clash: An Analysis

Dr Pravesh Kumar Gupta, Senior Research Associate, VIF Commentary

Background

On September 14, border guards from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan exchanged fire at a disputed border section. The violent confrontation escalated and lasted for two days, with drones, tanks, aircraft, and exchange of rocket fire. ....

September 23, 2022 International Relations and Diplomacy , Central Asia , Commentary , SCO , Central Asia , nationalism , CSTO , Drones , border clash , enclaves , collar revolution