In News

The first India-Central Asia summit was hosted by the Prime Minister of India in virtual format.

About the Summit

• The Summit was attended by Presidents of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Republic of Uzbekistan.
• Central Asia is a crucial region for the promotion of India’s interests especially in terms of trade and connectivity.
• The leaders conveyed their strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan with a representative and inclusive government. This comes in favour of India’s interest concerning its national security.
• India agreed to extend humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
• In a historic decision, the leaders agreed to institutionalize the Summit mechanism by holding it every 2 years.
• A secretariat will be set up soon in New Delhi for India-Central Asia taking the relationship further.
• Efforts have been made from both sides to embolden the cultural ties and enhance people to people contact.