Foreign Ministers of India, Central Asia meet to focus on Afghanistan issue

The foreign ministers’ meeting is the third in the series since the inaugural session in 2019. It is expected to take stock of relations between India and the Central Asian states, with whom New Delhi established diplomatic relations nearly three decades ago. The Central Asian states emerged as independent nations after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

According to a person familiar with the matter, India has invited the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to visit New Delhi as chief guests for the Republic Day parade in January 2022.

The turmoil in Afghanistan also comes to mark three decades of ties against the backdrop of India’s focus on strengthening ties with the five countries in the areas of connectivity, trade and security – where the Pakistan-backed Taliban took control of Kabul. has seized power.

In his inaugural address, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke about the shared concerns of India and the Central Asian states with regard to Afghanistan.

“We all also share deep historical and civilizational ties with Afghanistan. Our concerns and objectives in that country are the same: a truly inclusive and representative government, the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid, and the protection of the rights of women, children and minorities. We must find ways to help the people of Afghanistan.”

On bilateral ties with Central Asian states, Jaishankar said India will be a “firm partner” as countries look to rebuild their economies hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We already have a good history of cooperation. But my message to you today is to take it to the next level. Our relationship should now be centered around the 4 Cs: Commerce, Capacity Building, Connectivity and Connectivity, Jaishankar said.

In his remarks, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs, described Sunday’s meeting in January as “an important event in preparation for the upcoming India-Central Asia Summit”.

Since the early 1990s, India has been witnessing close trade ties with the Central Asian republics, but lack of connectivity has been a major constraint. New Delhi is trying to gain access through Iran’s Chabahar port and Afghanistan in the absence of a land route through Pakistan. However, with the takeover of the Taliban, the longstanding International North South Transport Corridor is being seen as an alternative.