India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · TURKMENISTAN
India & Turkmenistan
ENERGYCONNECTIVITYTAPICENTRAL ASIA
India and Turkmenistan's bilateral relationship is defined overwhelmingly by the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) natural gas pipeline project, which promises to connect Turkmenistan's vast Galkynysh gas field to Indian markets via a 1,800 km pipeline. While Turkmenistan maintains its constitutionally mandated neutrality and keeps external partnerships limited, the energy dimension gives India a strong strategic rationale for sustained engagement. Progress on TAPI has been slow due to security conditions in Afghanistan, but both countries view eventual completion as transformative for South Asia's energy connectivity.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Turkmenistan actually work together
4 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
Approximate FY 2022-23; trade limited by connectivity constraints
$0.27bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$0.22bn
India exports to country
$0.05bn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$0.27bnin 2023 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1992, in 8 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
India-Turkmenistan relations remain primarily defined by the long-pending TAPI pipeline project, which continues to face security and financing challenges in Afghanistan. Cultural and trade engagement is gradually expanding but remains limited by connectivity constraints and Turkmenistan's neutral policy posture.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalAshgabat
Population6 million
RegionCentral Asia
Diplomatic tiesSince 1992
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