Geopolitical Briefing: Central Asia
2 June 2025
- Uzbekistan positions itself as a hub for Indian business, students, and tourists in Central Asia.(The Economic Times)
- The first "Central Asia + Italy" summit marks a new phase in regional diplomacy.(Special Eurasia)
- Experts at the Astana International Forum emphasize the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor for resilient trade networks.(The Astana Times)
- China resumes construction of a pipeline through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, reshaping Central Asia's energy sector.(blogs.soas.ac.uk)
- A London-based design firm advances the "New Tashkent" urban expansion project in Uzbekistan.(The Times)
On May 27, 2025, Uzbekistan hosted the Indo-Uzbek Education & Business Summit in New Delhi, signaling its intention to become a central hub for Indian business, students, and tourists in Central Asia. The summit underscored expanding bilateral cooperation in key sectors including education, business, healthcare, tourism, and cultural exchange. This initiative aims to strengthen ties between the two countries by promoting academic partnerships, entrepreneurial collaboration, and increased people-to-people contact. Through these efforts, Uzbekistan is working to attract more Indian investments, student enrollments in its educational institutions, and tourism, while offering Indian partners a strategic gateway to the Central Asian market. (The Economic Times)
On May 29, 2025, the first "Central Asia + Italy" summit was held, marking a significant step in regional diplomacy. The summit focused on enhancing cooperation between Central Asian countries and Italy, with discussions on trade, energy, and infrastructure development. This engagement reflects a strategic move by Central Asian nations to diversify their international partnerships and reduce reliance on traditional powers. (Special Eurasia)
At the Astana International Forum on May 31, 2025, experts highlighted the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor for resilient and diversified trade networks. The development of this corridor is expected to complement Kazakhstan’s role in global logistics and trade, enhancing the region’s resilience against global supply chain disruptions. The emphasis on the Middle Corridor aligns with Central Asia's broader goals of economic integration and connectivity. (The Astana Times)
In May 2025, China resumed construction of a pipeline stretching from Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as part of its efforts to reshape Central Asia's energy sector. This move signifies China's growing influence in the region and its commitment to securing energy routes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. The pipeline project is expected to enhance energy connectivity and economic ties between China and Central Asian countries. (blogs.soas.ac.uk)
A London-based design firm, Cross Works, is advancing the "New Tashkent" urban expansion project in Uzbekistan. The firm has experienced a 33% revenue increase after winning a contract in 2023 to create a master plan for a 25,000-hectare expansion of Tashkent. The project aims to incorporate Uzbekistan's rich historical and cultural heritage into modern architectural guidelines, reflecting the country's aspirations for urban development and modernization. (The Times)
