New Kid on the Bloc – India as a New Actor in the Strategic Game in Central Asia
New Kid on the Bloc – India as a New Actor in the Strategic Game in Central Asia

Summary/Abstract: The Central Asia region, comprising five postSoviet republics, has traditionally been seen as an area under Russian control, where China has been making more recent economic and strategic inroads. While European and American influences are waning, a new player has emerged to take on a more active role – India. As a latecomer to the region and with comparatively fewer resources and power, what role can India play, and can it help Central Asian countries achieve a more stable balance of power? This article examines India’s policy towards the region to understand the reasons, tools, and objectives of its new engagement there. We analyze why this region may be important for India and why, for regional countries, India appears to be an attractive alternative to major powers. We found that India still lacks the resources to balance China or Russia. However, it is thus a natural partner for the EU to stabilize the region and lessen its dependence on authoritarian powers.

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