Diplomatic success against China close to Central Asian countries

India is getting a big diplomatic victory against China, first Russia surprised China by coming to India and now the foreign ministers of five Central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 December . Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries are in New Delhi to attend the 3rd meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue. Prime Minister Modi described the strength of India’s long-standing relationship with these Central Asian countries as important.

The Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries apprised Prime Minister Modi of the greetings of their respective Presidents. The Foreign Ministers praised his leadership for further strengthening ties with India. The External Affairs Ministers briefed Prime Minister Modi on the deliberations held at the India-Central Asia Dialogue chaired by the Indian External Affairs Minister on 18-19 December. The dialogue focused on trade, connectivity, development partnership and regional development with the situation in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India attaches great importance to its longstanding ties with Central Asian countries and considers these countries as part of its ‘extended neighbourhood’. He congratulated the ministers on the 30th anniversary of independence this year. He recalled his memorable visits to all Central Asian countries in 2015 and later to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic. Prime Minister Modi emphasized 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 mentioned the potential for increased economic cooperation between India and Central Asia and the role of connectivity in this regard. The India-Central Asia Dialogue has given a boost to bilateral relations between India and the Central Asian countries. India and the Central Asian countries will next year celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. It is being told that the President of these five Central Asian countries can be the chief guest in the Republic Day parade on 26 January in 2022 next year.