India and Russia agree on 'nonpaper' engagements in Central Asia

India and Russia agree on ‘nonpaper’ engagements in Central Asia. 

India and Russia have exchanged “Nonpaper” on how to increase engagement in central Asia, which has five countries–Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. 

These 5 countries, which once belonged to the Soviet Union, have a lot of Russian influence.

Nonpaper, also known as a white paper, is a document without a government seal highlighting key discussion points.

Nonpaper has highlighted several areas of engagement as India seeks to be a supplier of arms in this part of the world. 

For example, these countries in central Asia use Russian defense equipment, and India can supply parts made in Russia.

To increase Indo-Russian cooperation in the region, more functional areas were listed. However, this has resulted from the Chinese making inroads and causing a debt crisis.

Despite Russian President Putin mentioning China several times in his recent year-end annual press conference and even stating that he has a “very trusting” personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, it is unlikely Moscow will give Beijing a blank check, either from the geopolitical aspects or regional presence. 

China’s Jinping regime treats countries as either a junior partner or an adversary in its dealings.

Even though Russia has requested increased Indian involvement in the Far East, particularly in Indian human resources, the exchange of nonpaper is possible. This is because India has been Russia’s preferred partner in its Far East development over China.

This area borders China and is rich in resources. Plans are in place to link Vladivostok and Chennai. This was a key outcome from PM Modi’s 2018 visit.

India has intensified its engagement with Central Asia, with whom it shares civilizational ties. In 2015, the Indian Prime Minister visited all central Asian countries one-on-one. 

In addition, India invited five central Asian leaders to Republic Day in January 2022, marking a first.