The first-ever ‘India-Central Asia Summit’ hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 27, 2022, marking the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between India and Central Asian countries, saw the participating nations agreeing to a framework to enhance mutual cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi and the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan decided to institutionalize the Summit mechanism by holding it every 2 years.
The leaders also agreed that the Foreign Ministers, Trade Ministers, Culture Ministers, and Secretaries of the Security Council would meet regularly and prepare the groundwork for the Summit meetings.
An ‘India-Central Asia Secretariat’ will be set up in New Delhi to support the new mechanism.
Areas of Cooperation
India and the Central Asian nations focused on Trade, Connectivity, Energy, Defense, and Regional Security.
The proposed cooperation includes setting up a Round-Table on Energy and Connectivity, Joint Working Groups at the senior official level on Afghanistan, and the use of Chabahar Port. The countries will also hold joint counter-terrorism exercises.
Prime Minister Modi also discussed the current situation in Afghanistan. The leaders reiterated their support for a peaceful, secure, and stable Afghanistan that is to be governed by an inclusive government. Mr. Modi conveyed India’s continued commitment to humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
Cultural Ties
Cultural ties and people to people contacts were emphasized in the meeting.
- Buddhist exhibitions will be held in Central Asian countries.
- An India-Central Asia dictionary of common words would be commissioned.
- A 100 member youth delegation will visit India annually from Central Asian countries.
- Special courses will be conducted for Central Asian diplomats.
A comprehensive Joint Declaration was adopted by the leaders to realize their common vision for an enduring India-Central Asia partnership.
What did the Prime Minister say to each country?
Kazakhstan – The country has become a vital partner for India’s energy security, the PM said. He expressed his condolences for the recent loss of life and property in Kazakhstan.
Uzbekistan – State governments in India are also active partners in the growing cooperation with Uzbekistan, and this includes my home state of Gujarat as well, Mr. Modi said.
Kyrgyzstan – The PM cited the active partnership in the field of education and high-altitude research. He mentioned the thousands of Indian students that study in Kyrgyzstan.
Tajikistan – We have longstanding cooperation in the field of security, and we are continuously strengthening it, Mr. Modi told Tajik leader Emomali Rahmon.
Turkmenistan – The country is an important part of the Indian vision in regional connectivity, which is evident from our participation in the Ashgabat Agreement, said Indian PM.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Central Asia is central to India’s vision of an integrated and stable extended neighborhood, regional security, and prosperity.