First India-Central Asia Summit
- 29 Jan 2022
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi hosted the first India-Central Asia Summit in virtual format on 27 January 2022, which was attended by Presidents of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Republic of Uzbekistan.
- This first India-Central Asia coincided with the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Central Asian countries.
(Image Source: India Today)
Highlights
- The Leaders agreed to institutionalize the Summit mechanism by deciding to hold it every 2 years.
- They 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 areas of trade and connectivity, development cooperation, defence and security and, in particular, 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 ;
- 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.
- Prime Minister 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. Prime Minister conveyed India’s continued commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
- A comprehensive Joint Declaration was adopted by the leaders that enumerates their common vision for an enduring and comprehensive India-Central Asia partnership.