News Highlight
- The First India-Central Asia summit of NSAs held in New Delhi with the assertion that connection with Central Asian nations is India’s top priority.
Key Takeaway
- Focused on Afghanistan, the India-Central Asia NSAs defend the region from terrorist organisations, recruiting, fundraising, and propaganda, utilising new and developing technologies, including cyberattacks.
India-Central Asia meeting
- Briefing about the meeting
- The National Security Advisors (NSAs) of India and Central Asia reiterated their steadfast support for a peaceful, secure Afghanistan on Tuesday.
- Highlighting the importance of maintaining its geographical integrity, unity, and sovereignty while urging others to refrain from meddling in its internal affairs.
- The Indian Prime Minister hosted Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan leaders.
- They decided to regularly convene security chiefs to talk about India’s “extended neighbourhood.”
- The NSAs of India, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan attended the meeting.
- Highlights
- Focusing on Afghanistan and a joint communique
- The security situation in Afghanistan and the threat of terrorism from the Taliban-run nation.
- Chabahar Port and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
- The participants agreed with India’s suggestion to incorporate the Chabahar port into the INSTC, which links Iran to Russia via Central Asia.
- The summit leaders decided to make the Summit mechanism official by holding it every two years.
- The UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) was also urged to be adopted as soon as possible in the communiqué.
India-Cental Asia relation
- Longstanding historical, cultural, political, and economic ties between India and Central Asia have evolved into a stable and mature partnership.
- Historical Connection
- Central Asia is undeniably a zone of Indian civilisational influence; the Ferghana Valley served as India’s Great Silk Road crossing point.
- Diplomatic Connection
- India considers the Central Asian countries as the heart of Asia.
- They are also members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
- Importance of Afghanistan for India
- India and Central Asian countries are concerned about terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and its implications for regional security.
- India has been a vocal supporter of re-establishing peace in Afghanistan.
- Chabahar Port
- With the rehabilitation of Chabahar port, India recently made notable progress. It participates in the Ashgabat Agreement as well.
Challenges in the India-Central Asia relation
- China’s Involvement
- India’s influence in the region has been seriously weakened by China’s involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative.
- Instability in Afganisthan
- India’s plans in Central Asia have been seriously hampered by the Taliban’s invasion of Afghanistan.
- Unstable and Volatile
- Politically, the nations of Central Asia are extremely fragile and vulnerable to dangers like terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism.
- As a result, the market in the area is unstable and volatile.
Way Forward
- Through an annual summit meeting, India should appropriately provide the area with cultural and historical context.
- India has the ideal platform in Central Asia to use its political, economic, and cultural connections to further its leadership role in Eurasia.
- India’s rising international profile and significant participation in multilateral forums like the SCO.
Pic Courtesy: Indian Express
Content Source: Indian Express