Mongolia’s assertive and pragmatic role in India’s Connect Central Asia Policy: Current trajectory and Future Ahead

  • Subhash Kumar Department of Politics and International Relations, Central University of Jharkhand
  • Souvik Chatterjee Department of Politics and International Relations, Central University of Jharkhand
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33019/jpi.v3i1.61
Keywords: Asia, China, India, Mongolia

Abstract

Mongolia’s uniqueness and importance in contemporary world politics lie in its geographical situating, demography, and economy. Geographically landlocked and situated in the Eurasian intersection, Mongolia has the lowest population density of any sovereign country on the planet. Sandwiched among Russia and China Mongolia's harsh environment limit its economic interests. However, Mongolia's geostrategic position, unexplored energy assets, and democratic governance have expanded its importance in global politics. Because of such Mongolia holds a key position in India's Act East and Connect Central Policy to counter China's expansionist policies in North-East Asia. With regards to India-Mongolia relations, the two nations share a rich historical legacy. Tibetan Buddhism the most prevailing religion in Mongolia makes social linkages, Democracy solidified further connections between India and Mongolia. Because of these old and profoundly established linkages, India-Mongolia are 'spiritual neighbors'. However, China still has an overreaching control over Mongolia’s trade, commerce, and other sectors. China also dominates intra-regional trade in North-East Asia. Under India’s Connect Central Asia India attempts to counter Chinese encirclement by delving into close strategic, economic, and energy relations with China's neighbors like Mongolia and CAS. However, the achievement or failure of India's Connect Asia Policy will depend upon India's political as well as its diplomatic will to transform India's interest in regional integration in reality.

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Author Biographies

Subhash Kumar, Department of Politics and International Relations, Central University of Jharkhand

is currently working as an assistant professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations, Central University of Jharkhand, India. He did his M.Phil. & Ph.D. from School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He has contributed numerous articles and book reviews in renowned national and International Journals. His areas of expertise are Foreign Policy of Mongolia, Central Asian Studies, India’s Foreign Policy, Inner Asian Studies.

Souvik Chatterjee, Department of Politics and International Relations, Central University of Jharkhand

is currently working as a Junior Research Fellow in the Department of Politics and International Relations, Central University of Jharkhand, India.  He obtained his Master Degree in Political Science from Kazi Nazrul University, India and stood first class first in 2018. His areas of interest are Foreign Policy of Mongolia, Political sociology, Comparative Politics, Inner Asian Studies.

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Published
2021-07-31
How to Cite
Kumar, S., & Chatterjee, S. (2021). Mongolia’s assertive and pragmatic role in India’s Connect Central Asia Policy: Current trajectory and Future Ahead. Journal of Political Issues, 3(1), 28-35. https://doi.org/10.33019/jpi.v3i1.61
Issue
Vol 3 No 1 (2021): Journal of Political Issues (July)
Section
Research Articles

Copyright (c) 2021 Subhash Kumar, Souvik Chatterjee

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