India Hosts 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue to Strengthen Strategic Ties
- India hosted the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue to deepen diplomatic and economic ties with five Central Asian nations.
- Discussions centered on trade, connectivity, technology, regional security, and development cooperation.
- Foreign Ministers also attended the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting to boost business and investment partnerships.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening engagement with the Central Asian region. The high-level meeting witnessed the participation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan, Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin of Tajikistan, Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov of Turkmenistan, Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev of Kyrgyzstan, and Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov of Uzbekistan.
The Dialogue, held at the ministerial level, serves as a key diplomatic platform to boost India’s ties with the resource-rich region seen as part of India’s ‘Extended Neighbourhood’. It builds on the momentum generated by the first India-Central Asia Summit held virtually in January 2022 and the previous three Dialogues, with the last hosted by India in December 2021.
This year’s discussions emphasized enhancing cooperation in trade, connectivity, technology, energy, and development. Regional security, counterterrorism, and evolving geopolitical dynamics also featured prominently in the conversations. Dr. Jaishankar posted on X: “With Central Asian colleagues at the start of the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue”.
The Foreign Ministers also participated in the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting on June 5, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with FICCI, further highlighting economic cooperation as a shared priority.
The India-Central Asia Dialogue reflects the collective desire to build a stronger, multifaceted partnership grounded in shared cultural ties, mutual trust, and strategic interests. It reinforces India’s role as a reliable regional partner while advancing connectivity and collaboration with Central Asia.
