The 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, held recently in New Delhi, saw foreign ministers from India and the five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—come together to strengthen partnerships against terrorism and boost regional cooperation.
Key Highlights of the Dialogue
The dialogue focused on several critical areas:
- Condemnation of Cross-Border Terrorism: The ministers expressed unified condemnation of recent cross-border terrorist attacks, including the Pahalgam attack.
- Commitment to Combating Terrorism: Strong emphasis was placed on giving justice to those responsible for planning, financing, and executing terrorist acts.
- Renewed Regional Security Focus: This meeting marked over three and a half years since the previous dialogue, highlighting renewed attention to security issues in the region.
Expanding Economic Cooperation
Beyond security concerns, the dialogue also showcased efforts in enhancing economic ties:
- Agreements to expand economic cooperation and trade connectivity.
- Focus on infrastructure projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar Port to facilitate trade and bypass geographic barriers.
- Joint exploration initiatives of rare earth and critical minerals, stressing sustainable resource development.
Broader Regional Partnership
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India’s role as a trusted development partner, pointing out the increasing collaborations in various fields including:
- Trade
- Tourism
- Education
- Infrastructure development
Additionally, the dialogue embraced commitments to tackle global challenges like health, climate change, and clean energy, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to regional partnership.
This historic dialogue solidifies cooperation across multiple sectors, strengthening the bond between India and Central Asian nations for a secure, prosperous, and sustainable future.
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