India and Central Asia: new cooperation in security

Defense cooperation between India and the Central Asian countries plays a crucial role in ensuring regional security and stability. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

This cooperation is based on historical ties, common security threats, and aspirations to develop regional integration. India has identified deepening defense and security relations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as one of the main directions of its foreign policy.

India and the Central Asian countries are establishing close cooperation in combating transnational threats such as terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity. Security issues are especially pressing due to the Central Asian states' proximity to Afghanistan.

In combating these threats, the parties work together by sharing intelligence, conducting joint exercises, and strengthening regional security. Cybersecurity is also an important area of cooperation.

In 2025, India conducted strategic cyber drills together with the Central Asian countries. This event was aimed at enhancing technical capabilities to protect critical infrastructure and combat cybercrime.

Such cooperation includes not only traditional military fields but also new technologies to address modern security threats. Central Asian countries hold a key position in the regional geopolitical dynamics.

India actively participates in regional security issues through multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Additionally, meetings of India-Central Asia national security advisors serve as an important platform to discuss security and economic integration issues.

Developing transport and communication infrastructure is also an integral part of this cooperation. India is actively involved in projects like the Ashgabat Agreement and the International North-South Transport Corridor, striving to strengthen regional connectivity.

These initiatives serve both to promote economic integration and to enhance security. Overall, defense and security cooperation between India and the Central Asian countries is aimed at ensuring regional stability, combating terrorism and other threats, supporting economic development, and forming a multilateral security system in the region.

This cooperation plays an important role in ensuring long-term stability and regional interests.