The strategic cooperation between India and the Central Asian republics in defense and security is driven by a complex set of historical ties, shared security concerns, regional geopolitical dynamics, and mutual aspirations for stability and development. At its core, this cooperation is shaped by converging interests in countering terrorism and extremism, addressing transnational threats such as drug trafficking and cyberattacks, balancing the influence of major powers in Eurasia, and leveraging geographical and historical connections to advance connectivity and regional integration. These drivers not only explain why India has prioritized deeper defense and security ties with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, but also justify calls to enhance this cooperation as part of a broader strategy to ensure regional peace and stability.
One of the main drivers of India-Central Asia strategic cooperation in defense and security is the shared concern for terrorism and Islamist radicalization. Central Asia’s proximity to Afghanistan, where the security situation remains fragile, puts both India and Central Asian states in a vulnerable position to cross-border extremist movements. India’s foreign policy has increasingly focused on engaging with its expanded neighborhood to mitigate these threats, and Central Asian countries have sought partnerships that help strengthen their own capabilities in countering terrorism. Both sides acknowledge that combating terrorism, radicalization, and the illicit flow of weapons and drugs are essential for regional stability, which in turn underpins economic development and foreign investment prospects. This alignment of threats has led to tangible cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism dialogues, intelligence sharing, and joint training initiatives.
Closely related to counter-terrorism is the imperative to address transnational, non-traditional security challenges, particularly cyber threats. As digital infrastructures become fundamental to national development, both India and Central Asian states face sophisticated cyberattacks that threaten critical infrastructure and governance systems. The 2025 Strategic Cyber Exercise hosted by India brought together cybersecurity agencies and national Computer Emergency Response Teams from all five Central Asian republics, highlighting the collective commitment to building technical capacity and policy frameworks to combat cybercrime and enhance resilience. This exercise underscores the recognition that modern security cooperation cannot be limited to traditional military domains but must incorporate emerging areas such as cyberspace and artificial intelligence, where cooperation builds trust and enhances collective defense capabilities.
