The Ashgabat Agreement is an important multi-lateral transport agreement between five countries in the Eurasian region. The agreement was signed on 25 April 2011 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and came into effect on 20 April 2016. The countries that are part of the Ashgabat Agreement are Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.
The primary objective of the Ashgabat Agreement is to create a transit and transport corridor linking Central Asia with the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through the Iranian ports of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar. The agreement is expected to improve connectivity and increase trade among the member countries, as well as promote regional economic integration.
The Ashgabat Agreement is particularly relevant for aspirants of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam who are studying international relations and trade. It is important to understand the key features and implications of this agreement, as it reflects the changing dynamics of trade and geopolitical relations in the Eurasian region.
One of the key benefits of the Ashgabat Agreement is that it will provide an alternative route for landlocked Central Asian countries to connect with the rest of the world through the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. This is particularly important for countries like Uzbekistan, which have been historically isolated due to their geography.
Another important aspect of the Ashgabat Agreement is that it will provide competition to existing transit routes, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The agreement will also provide an alternative route for India to access Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
The Ashgabat Agreement also has significant implications for the Iran-US relationship. The US has been pressuring its allies to reduce their dependence on Iranian oil and to stop trading with Iran. However, the Ashgabat Agreement provides an alternative route to Central Asian countries, which may reduce their dependence on Iranian ports.
In conclusion, the Ashgabat Agreement is an important multi-lateral transport agreement that has the potential to transform the transport and trade dynamics in the Eurasian region. Aspirants of the UPSC exam who are studying international relations and trade should pay attention to this agreement, as it reflects the changing geopolitical dynamics in the region.