New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, Jan 27, made a strong pitch for an integrated approach for regional connectivity and cooperation with all Central Asian countries.
Speaking at the first India-Central Asia Summit, the Prime Minister said there is a need to "give an effective structure" to mutual cooperation, "which will pave the way for the establishment of a platform for regular interaction among all stakeholders".
"All of us share the same concerns and goals with regard to regional security. We are all concerned about the developments in Afghanistan. In this context too, mutual cooperation among us has become more important for regional security and stability," the Prime Minister said.
"Today's summit has three goals," he said, adding, "First is to make it clear that mutual cooperation between India and Central Asia is necessary for regional security and prosperity".
"I want to make it clear that Central Asia is central to India's vision of an integrated and stable neighbourhood," he said.
Another goal of the meeting is to prepare an ambitious roadmap for cooperation, which will enable us to adopt an integrated approach for regional connectivity and cooperation, he said.
Trade and Connectivity, Development Partnership, Strategic partnership, Culture and people to people contacts would figure prominently at the first virtual India-Central Asia Summit.
Prime Minister Modi is hosting the maiden meeting of the India-Central Asia Summit. Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are participating. Sources said some bilateral issues like the relationship with Kazakhstan and other countries will focus on strategic partnership.
Last year NSAs of central Asian countries and India Ajit Doval had a crucial meeting and so did Foreign Ministers at a later stage.
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