India-Central Asia NSAs Seek Strategic Mineral Collaboration Eyeing Chinese Might

India-Central Asia NSA: In a first, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval Tuesday sought strategic mineral collaboration with Central Asian countries, sources told ABP LIVE.

According to the sources, NSA Doval proposed to set up an India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum to explore possible partnerships in the domain of rare earth and strategic minerals. This, the sources said, will also facilitate the participation of Indian private companies in this region for investments and joint economic development.
 
“Such collaboration should be mutually beneficial, transparent and designed to meet long term requirements,” said a source, requesting anonymity. 

The plan was proposed by Doval during the meeting that took place between India-Central Asia secretaries and National Security Advisers of the Security Councils on Tuesday in Kazakhstan. The meetings flow from the agreement reached during the first India-Central Asia Summit that took place on January 27, 2022 on holding regular meetings of Secretaries of the Security Council to discuss issues of regional security.

Doval once again spoke about the situation in Afghanistan in the meeting as a common cause for concern in the region. 

“The situation in Afghanistan remains a cause of concern for all of us.  Our common immediate priorities include providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring formation of a truly inclusive and representative government combating terrorism and drug trafficking and preserving the rights of women, children and them minorities.  India is deeply involved in the humanitarian assistance being provided to the Afghan people,” he was quoted as saying by the sources.

Connectivity, Economic Integration With Central Asia

Connectivity and economic integration with the Central Asian countries is a key priority for India.  

However, while promoting connectivity, it is important to ensure that connectivity initiatives are consultative, transparent and participatory, the sources said. 

“They should respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. They should also adhere to environmental parameters, ensure financial viability and not become debt burdens,” said a source. 
 
According to the sources, Doval also highlighted that the absence of direct land access between Central Asia and India is an “anomaly”. “This absence of direct connectivity is the result of a conscious policy of denial by a particular country. This situation is not only self-defeating for this country but it also reduces the collective well-being of the entire region,” he said. 
 
India is a member of both the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat Agreement. Doval also Invited the Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - to utilise the Chabahar port as well as its Shaheed Bahesti terminal operated by an Indian company for maritime trade and solicited support for including Chabahar port within the framework of INSTC. 

Both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan will be joining the INSTC soon. With this, all the five Central Asian countries will be a member of the INSTC.