o build closer political, security, economic and cultural relations.

o based on ancient civilisational linkages.

• Three countries, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have enhanced relations to strategic partnership level.

• The ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy was first unveiled in 2012. The policy is often seen by many as an alternative to China’s earlier New Silk Road and current One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiatives.

• Though India no longer shares physical boundaries with the region. This challenge is sought to be overcome enhancing connectivity i.e. land based, maritime, air, digital.