Page 48 - NIS English 16-28 Feb 2022

A NEW ROADMAP FOR

COLLECTIVE ACTION

Due to their geographical proximity, strategic location, and historical links, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are major partners of India. This
is why, after 30 years of diplomatic relations with these countries, India has taken the
initiative once again to elevate these relations to new heights.

hen the Soviet Union fell apart countries have grown stronger since 2014. As a
in 1991, Central Asian countries result, when India convened a summit for these
Wrose to prominence on the global five crucial Central Asian allies on January 27th, it
stage. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, was widely reported around the world. This virtual
Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, all of which are summit, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra
known as Central Asian countries, were among Modi, is a new endeavour to elevate India's rising
them. India's relations with the Soviet Union and activism in Central Asia and the rest of the world.
afterwards Russia have always been great, and This first summit conference with Central Asian
India has always expanded its ties with them from countries, according to the Ministry of External
their inception in 1991. India considers Central Affairs, is a sign of increased engagement
Asian countries to be extended neighbours. and contact amongst the countries in India's
These Central Asian countries are crucial from extended neighbourhood. Prime Minister Modi
a geopolitical standpoint. They act as a key link visited all these Central Asian countries in 2015.
between Europe and Russia. It is pertinent to note that India has already begun
Relations between India and Central Asian a process of dialogue with these Central Asian

Scan the QR code to listen
46 New India Samachar February 16-28, 2022 the full address of the Prime
Minister and view the full
programme.