Following India’s success in generating political and institutional interest in the Indo-Pacific as a part of its maritime geopolitics, it has been felt that India should re-evaluate its continental strategy towards Eurasia.
About the Eurasian Region
- It is represented geographically by the Eurasian Plate. It covers most of Europe and Asia.
- It is to be noted that there is a lack of an international consensus regarding the composition of the region.
- For example, for Russia, the former Soviet Union territory represents Eurasia, while other countries consider its parts such as Central Asia, the Greater Middle East, etc. under Eurasia.
Importance of Eurasia for India
- The region is rich in minerals such as crude oil, natural gas, cotton, gold, copper, aluminum and iron.
- It is strategically located as an access point between Europe and Asia.
- In addition to hindering Chinese influence, it would help India balance hostile alliances (eg, the Turkey-Pakistan alliance) in the region.
The Indian strategy towards Eurasia should include the following points:
- There should be greater engagement with both the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
- Eurasian security dialogue with Russia should be intensified.
- Cooperation with Iran and Arabia should be promoted to remove geographical isolation and play a greater role in the future of Afghanistan, Central Asia and the Gulf region.
Source – PIB
