C5+1: Central Asia and the United States of America

• Meaning: C5 = Five Central Asian countries + 1 = USA
• Therefore, “C5+1” represents the group of five Central Asian countries and the USA.

Purpose of Establishment:

The platform was created to develop:

• Regional stability
• Economic prosperity
• Shared solutions for global challenges

Focus Areas:

• Regional connectivity
• Energy security
• Collective security framework
• Trade cooperation

Three Pillars of Cooperation (C5+1):

US Policy in Central Asia:

Central Asia has historically been under Russian and Chinese influence. Through C5+1, the USA seeks to offer a third strategic alternative.

Key Points:

• The Trump administration signed agreements worth $12.4 billion within six months, covering rare earth minerals, aviation, and security cooperation.
• China currently controls almost 90% of the world’s rare earth resources.
• The US aims to break China’s economic monopoly and develop alternative mineral sources.
• Kazakhstan has recently discovered 20 million tons of rare earth minerals, including cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium, critical for:
  • Smartphones
  • Computer chips
  • Military technology

Strategic Interest of the USA:

• Central Asia lies in the geographical “Heartland” between Russia and China.
• The region is rich in oil, gas, uranium, and rare earth metals.
• Access to these resources allows the US to challenge China’s dominance.

India’s Role and Perspective:

Although India is not part of C5+1, Central Asia is a key geopolitical region for India’s foreign policy.

India’s Connect Central Asia Policy (2012):

• Objective: Develop broad political, economic, security, and cultural partnerships with Central Asian countries.

India’s Priorities in the Region:

Key Indian Projects:

1. TAPI Gas Pipeline (Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India)
   • Provides India with a new source of natural gas.
2. Chabahar Port (Iran)
   • Strategic route for India to access Central Asia
3. Bypasses Pakistan
   • International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
   • 7,200 km multi-modal network connecting India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe
   • Reduces trade costs and transit time, ensuring faster access to Europe

INSTC Route and Significance:

Significance:

• Reduces transit time by 40%
• Reduces costs by 30%
• Provides direct India–Europe trade route

Wider Objectives of the USA:

1. Limit Russian and Chinese influence — integrate Central Asia into Western economic structures to balance Eurasia.
2. Develop alternative supply chains — especially for energy and rare earth minerals.
   • Connect Central Asia to the Western bloc (US–EU).
   • Establish a “New Balance of Power” in the region.

Overall Analysis:

Conclusion:

• C5+1 serves as a platform for the US to balance Russia–China influence in Central Asia.
• It is also seen as a strategic alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• India, though not part of this forum, is strengthening its economic and strategic presence through its Connect Central Asia Policy, Chabahar Port, and INSTC.

Thus, C5+1 is not only a US–Central Asia cooperation platform but is also emerging as a new center for the Asian power balance.