Dalbir Singh,National Secretary, Indian National Congress, President, Foundation for Policy and Governance, Member, Supreme Advisory Council, Eurasian Peoples Assembly (India)
The regional integration replacing globalization is a natural geopolitical process that has already commenced.
Eurasian integration is part of this process, which has already proved effectiveness in many ways. Thus, the EAEU GDP grew by an estimated 3.7 percent in late 2023, exceeding the average global indicator. This is much better than the combined EU GDP, which grew by about 0.5 percent.
The EAEU is witnessing a boom in investment activity. In fact, investment growth rates are three times higher than the global average. This is supported by surge in growth rates of manufacturing and construction industry, which have reached 6–8%. The inflation rate has halved. Eurasian integration therefore stands as a pivotal endeavor in the global landscape, aiming to foster deeper economic ties, enhance political cooperation, and promote cultural exchange among the nations spanning Europe and Asia. This ambitious initiative draws on historical legacies, geographical advantages, and strategic imperatives to create a unified and competitive Eurasian space that navigates complex global dynamics while striving for mutual prosperity and stability.
HISTORICAL ROOTS AND GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Eurasia, historically a crossroads of civilizations and trade, holds profound significance in the annals of human interaction. The Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes connecting the East and West, epitomizes Eurasian connectivity. This historic conduit not only facilitated the exchange of goods—such as silk, spices, and precious metals—but also enabled the flow of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices across vast stretches of land. These exchanges laid the foundation for the deep-rooted interdependencies and shared historical narratives that underpin human and natural resources to become a prosperous region contemporary Eurasian integration efforts.
Geopolitically, Eurasia’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. Spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and encompassing a diverse array of landscapes, climates, and cultures, Eurasia harbors significant reserves of energy resources, raw materials, rare earth metals, and freshwater—a wealth of natural assets that are crucial for sustaining global economic growth and development. The key transport and logistics routes linking Europe and the Asia-Pacific region traverse this expansive territory, making it a linchpin in global trade and commerce.
ECONOMIC INTEGRATION AND THE EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION (EAEU)
Central to Eurasian integration is the pursuit of economic cooperation and integration. The Eurasian Economic
Union (EAEU), established in 2015, stands as a cornerstone of this endeavor. Comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, the EAEU aims to create a single market for goods, services, capital, and labor—facilitating seamless economic interaction and enhancing the competitiveness of its member states on the global stage.
By 2023, the EAEU boasted a combined GDP of approximately $2 trillion, with intra-union trade reaching $62 billion—a testament to the growing economic synergies and efficiencies achieved through regional integration. The union’s objectives include harmonizing economic policies, removing trade barriers, and promoting the free movement of goods and services among member states. Such initiatives not only bolster economic growth but also foster greater stability and resilience in the face of global economic uncertainties.
The regional integration replacing globalization is a natural geopolitical process that has already commenced.
Eurasian integration is part of this process, which has already proved effectiveness in many ways. Thus, the EAEU GDP grew by an estimated 3.7 percent in late 2023, exceeding the average global indicator. This is much better than the combined EU GDP, which grew by about 0.5 percent.
The EAEU is witnessing a boom in investment activity. In fact, investment growth rates are three times higher than the global average. This is supported by surge in growth rates of manufacturing and construction industry, which have reached 6–8%. The inflation rate has halved. Eurasian integration therefore stands as a pivotal endeavor in the global landscape, aiming to foster deeper economic ties, enhance political cooperation, and promote cultural exchange among the nations spanning Europe and Asia. This ambitious initiative draws on historical legacies, geographical advantages, and strategic imperatives to create a unified and competitive Eurasian space that navigates complex global dynamics while striving for mutual prosperity and stability.
HISTORICAL ROOTS AND GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Eurasia, historically a crossroads of civilizations and trade, holds profound significance in the annals of human interaction. The Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes connecting the East and West, epitomizes Eurasian connectivity. This historic conduit not only facilitated the exchange of goods—such as silk, spices, and precious metals—but also enabled the flow of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices across vast stretches of land. These exchanges laid the foundation for the deep-rooted interdependencies and shared historical narratives that underpin human and natural resources to become a prosperous region contemporary Eurasian integration efforts.
Geopolitically, Eurasia’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. Spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and encompassing a diverse array of landscapes, climates, and cultures, Eurasia harbors significant reserves of energy resources, raw materials, rare earth metals, and freshwater—a wealth of natural assets that are crucial for sustaining global economic growth and development. The key transport and logistics routes linking Europe and the Asia-Pacific region traverse this expansive territory, making it a linchpin in global trade and commerce.
ECONOMIC INTEGRATION AND THE EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION (EAEU)
Central to Eurasian integration is the pursuit of economic cooperation and integration. The Eurasian Economic
Union (EAEU), established in 2015, stands as a cornerstone of this endeavor. Comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, the EAEU aims to create a single market for goods, services, capital, and labor—facilitating seamless economic interaction and enhancing the competitiveness of its member states on the global stage.
By 2023, the EAEU boasted a combined GDP of approximately $2 trillion, with intra-union trade reaching $62 billion—a testament to the growing economic synergies and efficiencies achieved through regional integration. The union’s objectives include harmonizing economic policies, removing trade barriers, and promoting the free movement of goods and services among member states. Such initiatives not only bolster economic growth but also foster greater stability and resilience in the face of global economic uncertainties.
There have been apprehensions in some quarters about Kazakhstan which has been an initiator and driver of integration to have been adversely affected by secondary sanctions and difficult economic situation. In my opinion, Kazakhstan is steadfast in its commitment to accelerate, integrate and develop common markets as it has been able to substantially offset the effects of sanctions and it will emerge as window of Eurasia for the west. Besides, Kazakhstan could be used for non-conflict cooperation and investment.
Russia Export Centre is actively promoting economic activities by opening representatives’ offices in all the EAEU countries to create new production chains aimed at exporting to third countries. It also innovatively uses the tool of special economic zones of EAEU for greater coordination and efficiency.
POLITICAL AND SECURITY DIMENSIONS
Beyond economic considerations, Eurasian integration holds profound political and security implications for the region and beyond. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), established in 2001, exemplifies Eurasia’s commitment to enhancing regional security and political cooperation. Comprising China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian states, the SCO covers nearly 60% of the Eurasian landmass and represents approximately half of the world’s population.
The SCO’s primary objectives include combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism, as well as promoting regional stability and cooperation through joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic dialogues. For instance, annual military exercises such as “Peace Mission” demonstrate the SCO’s commitment to collective security and regional stability, while initiatives like the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) facilitate effective counter-terrorism cooperation among member states.
However, the political landscape of Eurasia is not without its complexities and challenges. Historical tensions, territorial disputes, and divergent geopolitical aspirations among Eurasian nations—illustrated, for instance, by the Russia-Ukraine conflict—underscore the delicate balance required to navigate regional integration efforts effectively. While some countries view integration as an opportunity to enhance geopolitical influence and economic prosperity, others perceive it through the lens of national sovereignty and strategic autonomy, posing challenges to cohesive regional cooperation.
Russia Export Centre is actively promoting economic activities by opening representatives’ offices in all the EAEU countries to create new production chains aimed at exporting to third countries. It also innovatively uses the tool of special economic zones of EAEU for greater coordination and efficiency.
POLITICAL AND SECURITY DIMENSIONS
Beyond economic considerations, Eurasian integration holds profound political and security implications for the region and beyond. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), established in 2001, exemplifies Eurasia’s commitment to enhancing regional security and political cooperation. Comprising China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian states, the SCO covers nearly 60% of the Eurasian landmass and represents approximately half of the world’s population.
The SCO’s primary objectives include combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism, as well as promoting regional stability and cooperation through joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic dialogues. For instance, annual military exercises such as “Peace Mission” demonstrate the SCO’s commitment to collective security and regional stability, while initiatives like the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) facilitate effective counter-terrorism cooperation among member states.
However, the political landscape of Eurasia is not without its complexities and challenges. Historical tensions, territorial disputes, and divergent geopolitical aspirations among Eurasian nations—illustrated, for instance, by the Russia-Ukraine conflict—underscore the delicate balance required to navigate regional integration efforts effectively. While some countries view integration as an opportunity to enhance geopolitical influence and economic prosperity, others perceive it through the lens of national sovereignty and strategic autonomy, posing challenges to cohesive regional cooperation.
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION
Cultural exchange and social integration constitute vital dimensions of Eurasian integration, bridging linguistic, ethnic, and religious diversity to foster a shared sense of identity and community. The region’s rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and historical narratives provides both challenges and opportunities for building mutual understanding and trust among its diverse populations.
Initiatives aimed at promoting cultural dialogue, educational exchange programs, and people-to-people connections play a pivotal role in enhancing social cohesion and fostering a shared Eurasian identity. Educational exchanges within the EAEU and with external partners have seen significant growth, facilitating greater cultural awareness and academic collaboration. Similarly, tourism within the EAEU and between Eurasian countries and China has surged, offering opportunities for cultural immersion and economic cooperation.
However, significant challenges remain, including language barriers, cultural differences, and historical animosities that complicate efforts to achieve seamless social integration across Eurasia. Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment in educational infrastructure, language education programs, and initiatives that promote cultural sensitivity and mutual respect among Eurasian nations.
CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
Eurasian integration confronts several challenges that warrant careful consideration and strategic planning. Economic disparities among member states, for instance, pose a formidable obstacle to achieving cohesive economic integration within the EAEU. While countries like Russia and Kazakhstan boast relatively advanced economies and industrial capacities, others—such as Kyrgyzstan and Armenia—struggle with lower GDP per capita and developmental gaps that hinder their full integration into regional economic frameworks.
Political rivalries and historical tensions further complicate efforts to forge a unified Eurasian space. The Nagorno Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, for example, underscores the enduring geopolitical fault lines that test the region’s stability and unity. Similarly, territorial disputes and geopolitical rivalries—such as those between China and India—challenge the coherence of regional cooperation frameworks like the SCO, necessitating diplomatic finesse and confidence-building measures to mitigate potential conflicts.
Infrastructure deficits also present significant barriers to Eurasian integration. While Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has made substantial strides in enhancing regional connectivity through investments in transportation networks, energy infrastructure, and digital connectivity, many parts of Eurasia continue to suffer from inadequate infrastructure, energy shortages, and underdeveloped communication systems.
Addressing these infrastructural gaps requires concerted investment and collaborative efforts among Eurasian
nations, external partners, and international financial institutions to build resilient and sustainable infrastructure
networks that support economic development and regional connectivity. The International North-South Corridor (INSTC) is an important initiative taken by India, Russia, and Iran to enhance trade and transport connectivity among countries along its route.
The corridor spans 7,200 km from St. Petersburg to Mumbai in India. It’s a multi-modal network of Railways, Roads, and Sea Routes connecting India to Russia via Iran. Currently, there are 13 Members of INSTC, namely India, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, Oman, and Syria. Bulgaria has also joined as an observer State.
Initiatives aimed at promoting cultural dialogue INSTC Corridor provides a platform for improving cooperation as well as communication and reduces barriers to permit the economies of each country to grow independently and achieve objectives for the benefit of the country and the region. INSTC has been established for expanding trade and investment links with Eurasia and provide connectivity to landlocked central Asia.
Cultural exchange and social integration constitute vital dimensions of Eurasian integration, bridging linguistic, ethnic, and religious diversity to foster a shared sense of identity and community. The region’s rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and historical narratives provides both challenges and opportunities for building mutual understanding and trust among its diverse populations.
Initiatives aimed at promoting cultural dialogue, educational exchange programs, and people-to-people connections play a pivotal role in enhancing social cohesion and fostering a shared Eurasian identity. Educational exchanges within the EAEU and with external partners have seen significant growth, facilitating greater cultural awareness and academic collaboration. Similarly, tourism within the EAEU and between Eurasian countries and China has surged, offering opportunities for cultural immersion and economic cooperation.
However, significant challenges remain, including language barriers, cultural differences, and historical animosities that complicate efforts to achieve seamless social integration across Eurasia. Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment in educational infrastructure, language education programs, and initiatives that promote cultural sensitivity and mutual respect among Eurasian nations.
CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
Eurasian integration confronts several challenges that warrant careful consideration and strategic planning. Economic disparities among member states, for instance, pose a formidable obstacle to achieving cohesive economic integration within the EAEU. While countries like Russia and Kazakhstan boast relatively advanced economies and industrial capacities, others—such as Kyrgyzstan and Armenia—struggle with lower GDP per capita and developmental gaps that hinder their full integration into regional economic frameworks.
Political rivalries and historical tensions further complicate efforts to forge a unified Eurasian space. The Nagorno Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, for example, underscores the enduring geopolitical fault lines that test the region’s stability and unity. Similarly, territorial disputes and geopolitical rivalries—such as those between China and India—challenge the coherence of regional cooperation frameworks like the SCO, necessitating diplomatic finesse and confidence-building measures to mitigate potential conflicts.
Infrastructure deficits also present significant barriers to Eurasian integration. While Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has made substantial strides in enhancing regional connectivity through investments in transportation networks, energy infrastructure, and digital connectivity, many parts of Eurasia continue to suffer from inadequate infrastructure, energy shortages, and underdeveloped communication systems.
Addressing these infrastructural gaps requires concerted investment and collaborative efforts among Eurasian
nations, external partners, and international financial institutions to build resilient and sustainable infrastructure
networks that support economic development and regional connectivity. The International North-South Corridor (INSTC) is an important initiative taken by India, Russia, and Iran to enhance trade and transport connectivity among countries along its route.
The corridor spans 7,200 km from St. Petersburg to Mumbai in India. It’s a multi-modal network of Railways, Roads, and Sea Routes connecting India to Russia via Iran. Currently, there are 13 Members of INSTC, namely India, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, Oman, and Syria. Bulgaria has also joined as an observer State.
Initiatives aimed at promoting cultural dialogue INSTC Corridor provides a platform for improving cooperation as well as communication and reduces barriers to permit the economies of each country to grow independently and achieve objectives for the benefit of the country and the region. INSTC has been established for expanding trade and investment links with Eurasia and provide connectivity to landlocked central Asia.