The first India-Central Asia Summit is slated to discuss the Afghan situation and evolve steps to take India-Central Asia relations to newer heights.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the maiden meeting of the India-Central Asia Summit on January 27 in virtual format. Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will participate at the Summit.
The Summit is certainly seen as a "symbolic of the importance" attached to a comprehensive and enduring India-Central Asia partnership by the Leaders of India and the Central Asian countries. This will be the first engagement of its kind between India and the Central Asian countries at the level of leaders. The first India-Central Asia Summit reflects India's growing engagement with the Central Asian countries, which are a part of India's "Extended Neighbourhood".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a historic visit to all Central Asian countries in 2015; within a year, he took over the charge of governance in the country. Subsequently, there have been exchanges at high levels at bilateral and multilateral forums, the MEA release said.
The inception of the India-Central Asia Dialogue at the Foreign Ministers' level, the 3rd meeting held in New Delhi from 18 to December 20 2021, has provided an impetus to India-Central Asia relations. The participation of the Secretaries of National Security Councils of Central Asian countries in the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi on November 10, 2021, outlined a common regional approach on Afghanistan.
During the first India-Central Asia Summit, the Leaders are expected to discuss steps to take forward India-Central Asia relations to newer heights. They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of interest, especially the evolving regional security situation.
In fact, during the NSA level meet in November last year, the officials assessed the situation in Afghanistan and the principal challenges in Afghanistan and the region. "These included the security situation, heightened risk of terrorism and the impending humanitarian crisis," the informed source told 'Organiser.'
