Turkmenistan
Strategic Energy & Emerging Services Partner
- Band cut
- ≥ 40
- Countries in band
- 104
The seven measures behind Turkmenistan's 57
Each is scored 0–100, where higher is always better. Open a row to read the analysis behind its number.
| Measure | Score | Position on 0–100 |
|---|---|---|
| 82 | ||
| 78 | ||
| 55 | ||
| 55 | ||
| 8 | ||
| 75 | ||
| 45 |
Bonus considerations — useful, but they do not affect the score
These two are worked out for every country as context for a trip. They are not part of the 57 above, and nothing here can move it in either direction.
Higher means cheaper for an Indian traveller.
Higher means easier to eat vegetarian.
Why Turkmenistan?
The standing assessment behind the public sentiment reading of 78, rewritten at each refresh.
Diplomatic and official rhetoric from Turkmenistan towards India remains robustly positive, consistently emphasizing deep historical and civilizational linkages and a strategic partnership. Within the last 30 days (July 2026), the most prominent official engagement continued to revolve around the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. Turkmen and Afghan officials met to review and accelerate its construction, with the Turkmen ambassador highlighting successful progress, including 102 kilometers of pipeline already laid in Afghanistan. Turkmenistan consistently views TAPI as a pivotal project for diversifying its gas exports and strengthening regional economic integration, implicitly underlining India's integral role as a destination market. While no direct high-level bilateral visits between India and Turkmenistan occurred in July 2026, the ongoing emphasis on this critical shared initiative reflects a stable and forward-looking diplomatic relationship. Earlier in 2026, Turkmen officials, alongside the Indian Ambassador in Ashgabat, reaffirmed India as a 'strategic partner' and lauded the 'millennia-old historical roots' and 'common geopolitical interests,' a sentiment that continues to define their public discourse. Turkmenistan's active participation in UN discussions, including preparatory work for its own potential UN Security Council non-permanent seat, further indicates a consistent alignment with multilateral cooperation, which historically has included support for India's permanent UNSC membership. The historical perception of India as a 'trusted friend' remains deeply embedded in official discourse.
Reasons to visit
Turkmenistan offers Indian tourists an unparalleled journey into one of the world's most enigmatic and untouched destinations. Boasting an exceptionally high Safety Score, visitors can explore with a rare sense of security, making it ideal for those seeking peace of mind. While its Popularity Score remains low, this is precisely its charm – a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure far from mass tourism. You'll discover ancient Silk Road history intertwined with surreal, futuristic architecture in the capital, Ashgabat. Despite a perceived moderate Friendliness Index, locals encountered by tourists are often genuinely welcoming, eager to share their unique culture. It's a land of striking contrasts, from the blazing Darvaza Gas Crater to the serene ruins of Merv, promising an exclusive and profoundly memorable travel experience unlike any other.
Where Indian travellers go
- 1Ashgabat
- 2Darvaza Gas Crater (Door to Hell)
- 3Ancient Merv
Worth knowing
- Ashgabat, the capital, holds a Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of white marble buildings in the world.
- The Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as the 'Door to Hell,' has been burning continuously in the Karakum Desert since 1971.
- Turkmenistan is a permanently neutral country, a status officially recognized by the United Nations.
In the record
- Band
- Neutral / Developing
- Trade rank
- 119
- Trade volume
- $0.3B
- Share of India’s trade
- 0.03%
- GDP
- $49.8B