India and Central Asia Strengthen Ties: A Unified Front Against Terrorism
- MGMMTeam
- Jun 7, 2025
- 2 min read
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the foreign ministers of five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—on June 6, 2025. This meeting, part of the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue held in New Delhi, underscored a mutual commitment to bolstering regional security, enhancing economic cooperation, and combating terrorism.
A Collective Stand Against Terrorism
The dialogue was marked by a unified condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident. The foreign ministers collectively emphasized the necessity of holding accountable those responsible for organizing, financing, and sponsoring acts of terrorism. They called for concerted efforts to combat terrorism at the international level, highlighting the importance of collaborating under United Nations-led frameworks and adhering to Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.
Enhancing Regional Security and Cooperation
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the Central Asian countries, during which all parties expressed strong opposition to terrorism, aligning with India’s zero-tolerance stance on the issue. Jaishankar emphasized the need for firmly countering terrorism in the region, highlighting regional security and cooperation as key discussion points.
The ministers also discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, regional connectivity, education, and emerging technologies. Jaishankar noted that India remains a "trusted development partner" for these nations, with enhanced connectivity facilitating greater two-way tourist flows and business engagements.
Strategic Connectivity Initiatives
India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy, initiated in 2012, aims to strengthen political, security, economic, and cultural ties with Central Asian countries. The policy has gained momentum with high-level visits and collaborative projects, including the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the utilization of Iran's Chabahar Port to bolster trade in the land-locked region.
Conclusion
The 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue represents a significant step towards deepening ties between India and Central Asian nations. The unified stance against terrorism, coupled with commitments to enhance trade, connectivity, and cultural exchanges, underscores a shared vision for regional stability and prosperity. As these nations continue to collaborate, their partnership is poised to contribute meaningfully to addressing common challenges and fostering sustainable development in the region.
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