Page 10 - The Indian EYE 020924

OPINION FEBRUARY 09, 2024 | The Indian Eye 10

A fuller description, a deeper examina-

tion, and a more precise analysis of

relations between India and Central Asia

Book Review: Elephant on the Silk Road: Sectors of Promise for India and Central Asia
One of the significant points the authors emphasize initially is that the strengthening of economic

ties is key to a comprehensive and robust strategic partnership between the two regions

BY DANISH YOUSUF The importance of Chabahar port for India becomes even more significant due to the increasing footprints of China in Iran (File Photo)

ndia shares a long historical, civi- tween India and Central Asia. Even Asia is an impressive attempt to pro- and academic expertise to reflect on
lizational and cultural connection when the Central Asian Republics vide a fuller description, a deeper ex- the subject. The book comprises 13
Iwith the Central Asian, exchange were part of the Soviet Union, India amination, and a more precise anal- chapters thoughtfully organized into
of goods, ideas, and thoughts that ac- maintained vigorous economic and ysis of relations between India and five parts, with the central aim being
tively took place between India and cultural relations. Currently, Central Central Asia. It identifies potential to identify strategies and approaches
Central Asia through the Silk Route. Asian Republics are part of India’s areas of cooperation and evaluates that can ‘unlock’ the complete eco-
Buddhism, for instance, travelled to extended neighborhood. The secu- the longstanding challenge in the re- nomic potential between India and
Central Asia from India. Historical rity, stability, and prosperity of this lations: the ‘bearbug’ of connectivity. Central Asia.
figures like Alexander of Macedo- region is closely linked with that of One of the Authors Pankaj Tripathi, One of the significant points the
nia, the Kushans, the Mughals, and India. is a bureaucrat turned scholar, which authors emphasize initially is that the
the spread of Sufism etc. serve as evi- Elephant on the Silk Road: Sec- makes this reading particularly fas- strengthening of economic ties is key
dence of strong and enduring ties be- tors of Promise for India and Central cinating as it brings both practical Continued on next page... >>

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