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What is the News?
India has hosted the third edition of the India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi.
What is India-Central Asia Dialogue?
It is a ministerial-level dialogue between India and the Central Asian countries namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
All the countries participating in the dialogue, except for Turkmenistan, are also members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
The dialogue focuses on a number of issues, including ways to improve connectivity and stabilise Afghanistan.
What are the key Highlights of the third India-Central Asia Dialogue?
On Afghanistan: The countries have agreed on a broad ‘regional consensus’ on the issues related to Afghanistan which includes a) formation of a truly representative and inclusive government b) combating terrorism and drug trafficking c) the central role of the UN d) providing immediate humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people and e) preserving the rights of women, children and other national ethnic groups.
On Terrorism: The countries condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They also called for the early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
On Trade: The countries discussed how to increase links in what India’s Foreign Minister called the “4 C’s” of Commerce, Capacity enhancement, Connectivity and Contacts.
| Note: India-Central Asia trade is quite small at present accounting for less than $2 billion most of which comes from Kazakh oil exports to India. |
Chabahar Port and INSTC: The countries have welcomed India’s proposal to include Chabahar Port within the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Republic Day Participation: The countries confirmed the participation of the leaders of their respective countries at India’s Republic Day celebration, where they will hold a summit-level dialogue with the Prime Minister.
ITEC Programme: The Central Asian Countries appreciated the important role of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation(ITEC) Programme in capacity building and human resource development of their countries.
Source: This post is based on the article ‘Six nations call for ‘immediate’ aid for Afghans’ published in The Hindu on 20th Dec 2021.
