INDIA CENTRAL ASIA DIALOGUE
Context:
- On June 6, 2025, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered opening remarks at the 4th edition of the India-Central Asia Dialogue held in India.
- His address highlighted the deepening ties between India and the Central Asian nations, emphasizing shared history, economic cooperation, and strategic partnership.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM EAM’s REMARKS
- Condemnation of Terrorism: EAM expressed appreciation for Central Asian countries standing with India and condemning the “heinous terrorist attack” in Pahalgam in April 2025, showing a shared commitment to counter-terrorism.
- Addressing Pakistan: By promoting a unified stance with Central Asian nations against terrorism, New Delhi aims to send a stern message to Pakistan regarding its support for such activities.
- This highlights broader international acknowledgment of India’s stance on counter-terrorism.
- Addressing Azerbaijan:
- Azerbaijan frequently positions itself as a “bridge” to the Central Asian region.
- However, ties between New Delhi and Baku have strained due to Azerbaijan’s open support for Pakistan during its recent standoff with India.
- By actively engaging Central Asia and securing their condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, India strategically highlights its diplomatic influence even among nations neighboring Azerbaijan, implicitly challenging Azerbaijan’s self-proclaimed role and its alignment with Pakistan.
- This move aims to demonstrate a wider regional consensus against terrorism, with nations even from Azerbaijan’s neighborhood on board with India’s perspective.
- Historical & Cultural Bonds:
- He Emphasized India’s “millennia old civilizational and cultural ties” forged through trade, exchange of ideas, and people-to-people contacts.
- He also Noted that these bonds have evolved into a partnership based on “shared aspirations, shared opportunities and common challenges.”
- Contemporary Diplomatic Ties: Marked 3 decades of contemporary diplomatic ties with Central Asian partners in 2022, signifying a strong foundational legal and institutional framework for cooperation.
- Boost in Cooperation:
- He Attributed a “quantum boost” to Prime Minister Modi’s back-to-back visits to all five Central Asian capitals in July 2015.
- He also Highlighted significant strengthening of trade, economic, and investment ties over the last decade.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Noted multiple direct flights facilitating greater 2-way tourist flows and business, along with a large number of Indian students pursuing higher education in Central Asian countries.
- India as a Development Partner:
- Reiterated India’s role as a “trusted development partner.”
- Mentioned well-known partnerships like ITEC training slots and ICCR scholarships.
- Highlighted the initiation of High Impact Community Development Projects as Indian grants for socio-economic development (e.g., equipping schools, providing medical equipment to hospitals).
- Elevating the Partnership:
- Recognized the mutual importance of India-Central Asia cooperation by raising it to the Leaders’ level for the first time as a Virtual Summit in January 2022.
- This has added new dimensions, including exchanges among Trade Ministers, Culture Ministers, National Security Advisors (NSAs), Youth Delegations, and special training courses for diplomats.
- Economic Cooperation Focus:
- Referred to a “fruitful discussion” at the India-Central Asia Business Council to remove impediments and expand cooperation.
- New areas of focus identified include digital technologies, fintech, and inter-bank relations, alongside existing areas, to realize full economic potential.
- Commitment to Diverse Sectors: Both sides are committed to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors, specifically enumerating:
- Trade and Investment
- Defence
- Agro-processing
- Textiles
- Pharmaceuticals
- Regional Connectivity
- Security
- Education
- Culture
- People-to-people exchanges
- New and Emerging Technologies
ABOUT INDIA CENTRAL ASIA DIALOGUE
- What It Is?
- A multilateral platform for foreign ministers of India and Central Asian countries to engage in structured dialogue.
- Launched: Initiated in 2019 in Samarkand to deepen strategic, political, and economic cooperation.
- Members: India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
Objectives:
- To enhance cooperation in trade, transport, security, energy, IT, health, and people-to-people ties.
- To serve as a mechanism for regional stability and sustainable development.
Strategic Significance
- Strategic Location of Central Asia: The five Central Asian republics are strategically located, bordering Afghanistan and China, and are rich in natural resources (oil, gas, minerals).
- “Connect Central Asia” Policy: India’s engagement is part of its broader “Connect Central Asia” policy, aiming to expand strategic, economic, and cultural linkages.
- Geopolitical Significance:
- Connectivity: Overcoming geographical barriers to enhance trade and transit (e.g., through Chabahar Port, INSTC).
- This dialogue specifically stresses “regional connectivity.”
- Energy Security: Central Asia is a potential source of energy resources for India.
- Economic Potential:
- Diversification of trade baskets beyond traditional goods.
- Investment opportunities in various sectors, as highlighted by EAM (agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, digital technologies).
- Need to address impediments to economic cooperation, as discussed in the Business Council meeting.
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