The leaders of India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan held the first India-Central Asia summit on January 27. The event was held online, according to the Indian Foreign Ministry.

During the talks, the parties discussed proposals for further cooperation in the areas of trade and communications, cooperation for development, defense and security, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

In particular, they discussed the prospects for holding a round table on energy, joint anti-terrorist exercises, the activities of working groups on Afghanistan, as well as on the use of the Iranian port of Chahbahar, exposition of exhibitions in Central Asian countries, the creation of a dictionary of commonly used words in India and Central Asia, annual visits of youth delegations from the countries of Central Asia to India, the creation of special courses for diplomats from the countries of Central Asia.

In addition, the parties discussed the situation in Afghanistan and stated that they support "a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan with a truly representative and inclusive government."

As a result of the meeting, a joint declaration was adopted, which outlined the vision of a comprehensive partnership between New Delhi and the countries of Central Asia. The participants also agreed to hold this summit once every two years, and in addition, to make regular meetings of foreign ministers, ministers of trade, culture, and secretaries of the Security Councils. The Secretariat of India and Central Asia will be established in New Delhi for the operation of the new structure.

bbabo.Net