The Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian countries are visiting New Delhi for participating in the 3rd meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue.
The Central Asian Foreign Ministers conveyed the greetings of their Presidents to PM Modi on December 20 and emphasized the readiness of their leadership to strengthen relations with India further. They briefed the Prime Minister on the deliberations of the India-Central Asia Dialogue held under the chairmanship of the External Affairs Minister of India on 18-19 December 2021, which focused on trade and connectivity, development partnership and regional developments, including the situation in Afghanistan.
PM Modi emphasized the importance that India attaches to its long-standing relations with Central Asian countries, which are part of its ‘Extended Neighbourhood’. He conveyed his felicitations to the Ministers on the 30th anniversary of their independence this year. He recalled his memorable visits to all Central Asian countries in 2015 and subsequently to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.
PM Modi underlined the importance of maintaining cultural and people-to-people contacts between India and Central Asia, given the popularity of Indian films, music, yoga etc., 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 India-Central Asia Dialogue has impeded the excellent bilateral relations between India and Central Asian countries. India and the Central Asian countries will mark the 30th anniversary of establishing their diplomatic ties next year.