The third India-Central Asia Dialogue focused on trade and connectivity, development partnership and regional developments, including the situation in Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News
Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him on the deliberations of the third India-Central Asia Dialogue held under External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s chairmanship on 18-19 December 2021.
The third India-Central Asia Dialogue focused on trade and connectivity, development partnership and regional developments, including the situation in Afghanistan.
As per the PMO, the Central Asian Foreign Ministers during the meeting with Prime Minister Modi, conveyed the greetings of their Presidents to him and emphasized the readiness of their leadership to further strengthen relations with India.
On his part, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance that India attaches to its long-standing relations with Central Asian countries, which are part of its ‘Extended Neighbourhood,’ the PMO said.
He conveyed his felicitations to the Ministers on the 30th anniversary of their independence this year, the PMO added.
The Prime Minister recalled his memorable visits to all Central Asian countries in 2015 and subsequently to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic.
Prime Minister Modi, as per PMO, underlined the importance of maintaining cultural and people-to-people contacts between India and Central Asia, given the popularity of Indian films, music and yoga in the region.
He also underscored the potential of enhanced economic cooperation between India and Central Asia, and the role of connectivity in that regard, the PMO added.
The India-Central Asia Dialogue has given impetus to the excellent bilateral relations between India and Central Asian countries.
India and the Central Asian countries will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations next year.