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Saturday, January 3, 2026
TopicCentral Asia

Topic: Central Asia

Trump admin ups charm offensive at resource-rich areas, Rubio to visit 5 Central Asian states in 2026

The presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump Thursday for talks on rare earth minerals and other resources.

Distracted Russia is losing central Asia to China

Chinese commentaries highlight the launch of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and a $1 billion mining deal between China and Kazakhstan, as signs of a quiet pivot toward Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping signs treaty with Central Asia to boost economic ties

Since Russia’s Ukraine invasion, China has deepened economic ties with Central Asian nations, eyeing their strategic location and rich energy resources.

From Kashmir to China—Aurel Stein’s expeditions helped unlock secrets of ancient civilisations

Although the survey of Central Asia is among Stein’s most renowned and celebrated works, he had also successfully surveyed a wide landscape from Jammu and Kashmir to West Bengal.

Doval meets Central Asian counterparts, pushes for ‘transparent’ connectivity, ‘inclusive’ Afghanistan

National security adviser says Afghanistan 'remains a concern for all of us' and terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace & security.

China’s Xi Jinping unveils ambitious development plan to elevate Central Asia’s development

Central Asian nations should oppose ‘external interference’ in internal affairs of regional countries and attempts to instigate ‘colour revolutions,’ said Chinese president.

On Camera

The Supreme Court is losing its credibility. It should frighten us all—Maneka Gandhi

The dogs will survive whatever orders are passed. But institutions are more fragile than we imagine. Once lost, the trust they embody takes generations to rebuild.

India’s urban co-op banks are turning the page—crisis to cautious revival, one metric at a time

With bad loans shrinking & capital buffers stronger, urban co-op banks’ new umbrella body NUCFDC is now prioritising rollout of digital transformation.

Greece looking at TATA’s WhAP infantry combat vehicle for army procurement

If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.