India Enhances Trade Ties with Central Asia Amid Pakistan's Growing Influence

India is increasing diplomatic engagement with Central Asian countries to bolster trade, which reached $2.5 billion in 2025. This comes as Central Asian leaders aim to enhance trade with Pakistan. Recent talks involved Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, focusing on diversifying trade sectors. The Indian-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission meeting in April is expected to facilitate new agreements. Additionally, India is exploring potential investments in energy projects in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, while Kazakhstan may export uranium worth over $3 billion to India.

Published Mar 25, 2026

India's trade with five Central Asian states reached $2.5 billion in 2025, significantly surpassing that of Pakistan. In response to Central Asian plans to increase trade with Pakistan, Indian officials have engaged in talks with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to diversify trade beyond energy and pharmaceuticals.

AI-curated by Theia

The Indian-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission meeting in April in Tashkent is anticipated to lead to new agreements. Discussions also occurred regarding Indian investments in Tajikistan's renewable energy sector and Kyrgyzstan's Casa-1000 hydropower project. Kazakhstan is considering a $3 billion uranium export deal to India, pending approval from its nuclear energy agency.