CONNECTIVITY INITIATIVES: BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN INDIA AND CENTRAL ASIA

India's rich tapestry of history, the connection with Central Asia has remained profoundly signicant. Serving as India's primary gateway to the wider world, Central Asia has intricately woven itself into the fabric of India's cultural, political, and historical landscape. Among all the neighbouring regions, whether reached across land expanses or maritime routes, it is with Central Asia that India shares its longest association and most extensive people-to-people bonds. Central Asia's inuence extends beyond mere cultural exchanges; it has historically been a source of both opportunity and challenge for India. From Central Asia, traditional threats to India's security have often emerged, necessitating a nuanced and vigilant approach to foreign policy. Despite its crucial role, the central Asian dimension of India's foreign policy has often been overshadowed. Recognising the profound historical, cultural, and geopolitical signicance of Central Asia to India, there arises a pressing need for a reevaluation and elevation of focus within India's foreign policy. Embracing the multifaceted aspects of this relationship can foster not only greater security but also deeper cultural and economic exchanges, enriching the tapestry of both regions