India Strengthens Ties with Central Asia at 4th Dialogue
India-Central Asia Dialogue Commences
New Delhi, June 6: On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the Foreign Ministers from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan in New Delhi for the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue. This initiative is part of India's ongoing efforts to bolster anti-terrorism and de-radicalization collaborations in the region.
As the dialogue commenced, Jaishankar expressed his warm greetings to the visiting dignitaries, including Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, Tajikistan's Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev, and Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. This was shared by the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, on social media.
Jaishankar took to social media to share a moment with the Central Asian ministers, stating, “With Central Asian colleagues at the start of the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue.”
Following the dialogue, the Central Asian ministers are scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening before concluding their visit to India.
During this fourth dialogue, the ministers will explore ways to enhance relations between India and Central Asia, focusing on trade, connectivity, technology, and development cooperation. They will also discuss regional security challenges and other pertinent global issues.
A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the historical and cultural ties between India and Central Asia, noting that the first India-Central Asia Summit was held virtually in January 2022, significantly advancing their relationship.
On Thursday, the Central Asian Foreign Ministers also attended the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting. In his address, Jaishankar encouraged the council to devise a roadmap for strengthening trade, economic, and investment ties between India and Central Asia.
He outlined three main goals for enhancing economic collaboration: to deepen existing partnerships, diversify trade, and ensure sustainability and predictability in economic interactions. He emphasized the importance of digital economy, innovation, financial services, healthcare, and streamlined transit as key areas for achieving these objectives.
The India-Central Asia Dialogue, initiated in January 2019 in Samarkand, is a vital platform for fostering relations between India and Central Asia. The second meeting took place virtually in October 2020, focusing on regional security and infrastructure development, while the third meeting in December 2021 emphasized connectivity to strengthen ties.