Mahesh Ranjan Debata and Selbi Hanova (Eds.), India and Inner Asia: Commerce, Culture and Connectivity, 2024, 224 pp., ₹18,157 (Hardback), ₹6,015 (Paperback), Routledge India. ISBN-10: 0367752883; ISBN-13: 978-0367752880.

This edited volume re-evaluates and explores India’s historical and contemporary relations with Inner Asia. It aims at multidimensional linkages including trade, culture and cross-border interactions. These connections were there before and are continuing between India and Inner Asia, comprising Xinjiang, Central Asia, Tibet, Mongolia, etc. The book examines the legacy of the historical trade route Silk Road. In the Soviet era, this region was primarily known for its source of raw materials, and there were very few manufacturing units (p. 5). During that era, cultural exchanges such as Buddhism, art and culture also exchanged along with trade, which still exists. India’s developing foreign policy and economic involvement with Inner Asia are also assessed here. Further, the authors discuss regional cooperation structures such as India’s ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) (p. 177). The book also sheds light on the geopolitical significance by stating India’s contribution in the region within the wider context, including China, Central Asia and the Russian republics. This edited book has been divided into three parts, further divided into fifteen chapters, excluding the introduction chapter. These three parts are Inner Asian Issues, Geo-Politics and Geo-Economics, and Indian Connection. The first part includes four chapters that were contributed by the same number of scholars; the second part of the book covers six chapters and was prepared by seven researchers; and the last part of this edited volume encompasses five chapters, including the conclusion, that have been authored by six writers. more...