Page 49 - NIS English 16-28 Feb 2022

Indo- Central Asian Summit International

What is the significance of this conference for India?

After establishing its military base in Farkhor,
Tajikistan, India has become the fourth country INDIA-CENTRAL ASIA SECRETARIAT
(after the United States, Russia, and Germany) TO BE BUILT IN NEW DELHI
to establish a military base in Central Asia. Not
only has that, but military cooperation between
India and Tajikistan has been going on at the
Ayni Air Base for a long time. In the face of a
changing landscape and new challenges, the
relationship between Asia and Europe is vital.
The mutual coordination between India and
Central Asian countries has further strengthened
during the COVID era. Central Asian nations
have a rich source of energy. The TAPI gas The leaders unanimously agreed to hold
pipeline project from Turkmenistan to India is the summit every two years. They agreed to
hold regular meetings of Foreign Ministers,
being financed by the Asian Development Bank. Commerce Ministers, Culture Ministers,
The construction work of this pipeline is very and Security Council Secretaries to plan
important for India. In between, it was stuck for the summit meetings. To support the new
a long time. system, an India-Central Asia Secretariat
The 816-kilometer section of this pipeline will be established in New Delhi. The summit
will also pass through Afghanistan. The TAPI deliberated on far-reaching proposals for
pipeline is expected to transport 33 billion cubic future cooperation in trade and connectivity,
metres (BCM) of natural gas per year along a development cooperation, defence and
1,800 km (1,125 mile) route from Galkinesh, security, and, in particular, cultural and people-
the world's second largest gas field, to Fazilka, to-people contacts. This includes the Round
India, near the Pakistan border. Table Meeting on Energy and Connectivity;
India and Kazakhstan have reached an the Senior Official Level Joint Working Group
agreement to supply uranium. These countries on Afghanistan and the Use of Chabahar
also have mineral resources. In addition, India Port; Buddhist exhibitions in Central Asian
is establishing itself as a manufacturer. In these countries and the India-Central Asia Dictionary
countries, Indian culture is extremely important. of Common Terms; joint counter-terrorism
Tajikistan has erected a statue of Gurudev exercises; an annual visit by a 100-member
Rabindranath Tagore, and the country has youth delegation from Central Asian countries
also supported India in acquiring international to India; and special courses for Central Asian
recognition for Yoga Day. diplomats.

countries at the foreign ministerial level. Prime Minister Modi said, "First, to make it clear
At a meeting on January 27 in the presence of that mutual cooperation between India and
Kazakhstan President Kasim Jomart Tokayev, Central Asia is essential for regional security
Kyrgyzstan Chief Sedir Zaparov, Tajikistan's and prosperity; second, to provide an effective
Imamoli Rahman, Turkmenistan's Gurbanguly framework for both countries' cooperation." This
Berdymohamadov, and Uzbekistan's premier will create a framework for regular dialogue at
Shavkat Mirizhi Yoye, Prime Minister Narendra multiple levels and between multiple parties.
Modi said that "Our collaboration has had a lot of Third, develop an ambitious cooperation
success over the last three decades." Let us also roadmap.
define an ambitious vision for the years ahead The mutual relations between India and Central
at this critical moment, a vision that may fulfill Asia are at an excellent stage. This conference
the expectations of our people, particularly the now has more significant dimensions. If these
younger generation in a changing world. ties strengthen in the coming years, India's global
In describing the summit's three key objectives, standing will improve significantly.

New India Samachar February 16-28, 2022 47