Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the first India-Central Asia Summit

29 Jan,22 9:30 am
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India-Central Asia Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the 1st India-Central Asia Summit in virtual format on 27 January 2022.

Key Highlights:

  • This first India-Central Asia was attended by Presidents of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Republic of Uzbekistan.
  • The summit coincided with the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Central Asian countries.

Key Points of the summit:

  • During the Summit, in a historic decision, the Leaders agreed to institutionalize the Summit mechanism by deciding to hold it every 2 years.
  • They also agreed on regular meetings of Foreign Ministers, Trade Ministers, Culture Ministers and Secretaries of the Security Council to prepare the groundwork for the Summit meetings.
  • An India-Central Asia Secretariat in New Delhi would be set up to support the new mechanism.
  • The Leaders discussed far-reaching proposals to further cooperation in the following areas:-
    • Trade and connectivity
    • Development cooperation
    • Defence and security and
    • On cultural and people to people contacts
  • These included a Round-Table on Energy and Connectivity; Joint Working Groups at senior official level on Afghanistan and use of Chabahar Port; showcasing of Buddhist exhibitions in Central Asian countries and commissioning of an India-Central Asia dictionary of common words, joint counter-terrorism exercises, visit of 100 member youth delegation annually from Central Asian countries to India and special courses for Central Asian diplomats.
  • PM Modi also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan with the Central Asian leaders.
  • The leaders reiterated their strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan with a truly representative and inclusive government.
  • They also agreed to set up Joint Working Groups (JWG) at senior official level on Afghanistan.
  • Prime Minister conveyed India’s continued commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.

Objective of the summit:

  • The main objective of the summit is to make it clear that the cooperation between India and Central Asia is essential for the regional security and prosperity.
  • The objective is not only to give an effective structure to the cooperation but also to create an ambitious roadmap for this cooperation.

India - Central Asia Coorperation:

  • The cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Central as well as the State Government of India is increasing.
  • India and Krygyzstan are partners in the field of high-altitude research and education.
  • Kazakhstan is a vital partner for India's energy security.
  • India and Tajikistan cooperate in the field of security.
  • Turkmenistan is an important part of Indian vision in the field of regional connectivity.

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