Looking to advance India’s vision for region free from terror, says PM Modi as he embarks on visit to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a vital multilateral forum for India's engagement with Central Asia. The Prime Minister's vision for the SCO is anchored in the 'SECURE' framework (Security, Connectivity, Opportunity), highlighting India's strategic priorities. The visit to Uzbekistan emphasizes the deepening of the Strategic Partnership, focusing on critical sectors like trade, digital connectivity, defence, and energy. Connecting the visions of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and Yangi Uzbekistan (New Uzbekistan) underscores shared aspirations for modernization and economic growth. Central Asia is a region of immense geopolitical importance for India, both for energy security and for connectivity projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Understanding the dynamics within the SCO, particularly balancing relations with Russia and China while securing Indian interests, is crucial for UPSC. Questions could focus on India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy, the significance of the SCO in India's extended neighborhood, and strategies for expanding economic and defense ties with Central Asian republics.

A central theme of the PM's address is the commitment to a region "free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism." These three evils are a primary focus of the SCO's counter-terrorism body, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). The stability of Central Asia is directly linked to India's security interests, particularly concerning the spread of extremist ideologies and the potential spillover effects from neighboring regions like Afghanistan. By actively participating in RATS, India aims to share intelligence, conduct joint exercises, and build capacity to counter transnational threats. The emphasis on combating these "three evils" highlights the shared security concerns among SCO member states. For UPSC Mains, analyze how regional organizations like the SCO facilitate intelligence sharing and joint counter-terrorism efforts, and evaluate the effectiveness of these mechanisms in addressing cross-border terrorism in India's neighborhood.

The Prime Minister's visit to the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Tashkent highlights the role of soft power and cultural diplomacy in India's foreign policy. These institutions symbolize deep historical and people-to-people connections between India and Central Asia. The visit to the Shastri Memorial is particularly poignant, as it commemorates former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who signed the Tashkent Declaration in 1966 after the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Strengthening civilizational linkages fosters goodwill and creates a supportive environment for strategic and economic partnerships. Cultural exchanges, educational initiatives, and acknowledging shared heritage are vital tools for building long-term influence. UPSC questions often explore the effectiveness of soft power in complementing hard power objectives, the historical context of India's relations with specific regions, and the role of the diaspora and cultural institutions in advancing foreign policy goals.