India’s return to its Central Asian neighbourhood

The article discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Central Asia, highlighting India's renewed focus on the region. It emphasizes the geopolitical significance of Central Asia, situated between Russia and China, and its challenges like radicalization and terrorism. The article traces India's historical and civilizational links, its entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2017, and the establishment of high-level cooperation mechanisms like the India-Central Asia Dialogue. It underscores the importance of countries like Uzbekistan for India's strategic interests, including counter-terrorism efforts and alternative connectivity routes, and India's vision for security, connectivity, and opportunity within the SCO.