PM Modi’s Tour of Russia and Central Asia: An Overview
Ever
since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge at the helm of the
Indian government, he has undertaken a number of strategic tours. Be it
his US sojourn, or the tour of Canada, France, and Germany, or his trip
to China, the Indian PM has become known for his high-profile visits –
each with the mission to build economic and strategic ties across the
world. PM Modi’s visits are highly publicised by the PMO and have become
moot points for NRIs (non-resident Indians) who have shown him an
overwhelming support.In keeping with this “man of missions” image, PM
Narendra Modi has now embarked on a visit to five Central Asian
countries – Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and
Tajikistan – apart from attending two multilateral summits in Russia.
The eight day tour, between 6 and 13 July is intended to boost economic
ties in Asia and also focus on strategic defence alliances.
What Brings Modi to Central Asia?
PM Modi visited
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on 6 and 7 July respectively. Oil, natural
gas, and energy are at the center of the trade ties between India and
these Central Asian countries which are rich in natural resources and
share a cultural legacy with India. Modi had promised to bring
solidarity to Indian ties with these nations – a promise that he fully
intends to keep.In his visit, the Indian PM underlined India’s historic
ties with Uzbekistan – that land of Babur’s birth and its importance in
the Silk Route. With Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, Modi discussed
various investment opportunities for India such as in the fields of
tourism, and culture. Cyber security is one key field where the two
countries have decided to build a strong partnership and work together.
Another key point of discussion was the implementation of uranium supply
from Uzbekistan. 2000 metric tonnes of the mineral is to be imported by
India.A similar Uranium pact was also signed with Kazakhstan; India
will now import 5000 tonnes of the yellow mineral in the next four
years. Kazakhstan and India also inked a number of MoUs related to trade
and culture. India will most likely make a renewed effort at securing
some of Turkmenistan’s natural gas reserves – previous attempts having
been waylaid by China.Cultural ties formed one of the highlights of PM
Modi’s agenda. Student exchange, linguistic developments, and religious
tolerance were all discussed by the PM with the heads of these states.
Yoga was discussed too.
An Overview of PM Modi’s Tour of Russia and Central Asia: Articles |
The central
Asian countries that PM Modi shall be covering in this tour are all
extremely important in terms of the natural resources they hold and in
their potential to form strategic alliances. These nations have been key
suppliers of oil and natural gas for China and are now looking for a
diverse market. PM Modi’s visit could not have been better timed. The PM
also shall be soliciting the support of these countries in an effort to
secure a permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.
International North-South Transport Corridor
The
International North–South Transport Corridor is a trade route (using
various modes such as ship, road, and rail) between India, Iran, Russia,
and other Central Asian, and European nations. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan,
and Turkmenistan are other routes, currently under consideration for
addition to the existing corridor. PM Modi made a significant pitch to
the heads of these countries to join the freight corridor. The trade
implications of these are huge. Transportation of cargo shall be smooth
and costs greatly reduced with the opening up of this corridor.The
Indian Prime Minister also sought support from the Central Asian
countries for India joining the Ashgabat Agreement – another strategic
cooperation for movement of freight and a transit route between
Uzbekistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Oman, and Kazakhstan.
Modi’s Security and Anti-terrorism Agenda
One of the
major issues that shall be addressed in PM Modi’s visit to the Central
Asian countries is defence and counter-terrorism. He delved straight
into the issue in his Uzbekistan visit and the two nations agreed to set
up a joint working group to counter terrorism and boost security in the
region. With Kazakhstan, India has signed an agreement on defence and
security cooperation, military exchange, joint exercises, and formation
of a joint anti-terrorism unit.In his visit to both Tajikistan and
Turkmenistan also, we may expect significant military partnerships to be
forged. Tajikistan is already a significant military ally since 2002
when it built an air base near the town of Farkhor. This base is a
counter point to any possible malevolent advances by Pakistan.
Strengthening these ties and formulating a unified front to the
terrorist factions in Afghanistan has now become of supreme importance
to maintain peace in the “extended neighbourhood”.
BRICS Summit
An important
leg of PM Modi’s tour was his trip to the Russian city of Ufa to attend
the Seventh BRICS Summit. Apart from the Indian PM, the summit was
attended by President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, President Vladimir Putin
of Russia, President Xi Jinping of China, and President Jacob Zuma.
Apart from a number of regional and global issues, the BRICS nations
focused on the New Development Bank that was formed by the nations. The
NDB has its headquarters in Shanghai and is likely to have an Indian
head banker. The bank was formed to cater to the specific economic needs
of the member nations and provide finance for infrastructure
development in these countries.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit
After over a
decade of successful collaboration, the six-member Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation (SCO) based in Beijing agreed to include India as a full
member. The other members of the SCO are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India has currently been an observer
in the group and PM’s attendance of the summit brought about the
inclusion. PM Modi then addressed the group which included Russian
President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.In his
address, the PM promised that India shall take keen interest in
developing infrastructure in the region and forge economic ties with the
member nations.
Meeting Nawaz Sharif
After almost a
year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif in Ufa city. The meeting in itself was a strategic one and has
been lauded by many in the country. Apart from agreeing on a significant
cooperation to counter terrorism that has been the bane of both
nations, Pakistan has also agreed to speed up the trial of the 26/11
terror attack accused. The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, one of the worst terror
strikes in the country after independence, left over 166 people dead in
Mumbai.The meeting comes against the backdrop of Pakistani defence
minister Khawaja Asif threatening to use nuclear weapons against India.
Economic ties and trade negotiations found dominance in the talks
between the two nations. PM Modi has also accepted Pakistan’s invitation
to attend the SAARC Summit in 2016 to be held in Islamabad.
An Overview of PM Modi’s Tour of Russia and Central Asia: Articles
Reviewed by Newstechcafe
on
July 23, 2015
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