PM Narendra Modi calls for cooperation between India and Central Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said Central Asia is central to India's vision of an integrated and stable extended neighborhood.

In his opening remarks at the first India-Central Asia Summit being held virtually, Mr. Modi stated that they have similar concerns for regional security and are concerned about the developments in Afghanistan. He stressed that this mutual cooperation has become more important in this context for regional security and stability.

The Prime Minister highlighted that there are three main objectives of today's Summit and the first is to make it clear that mutual cooperation between India and Central Asia is essential for regional security and prosperity. He said the second objective of the Summit is to give a structure to India Central Asia cooperation. He said doing so will establish a framework of regular interactions at different levels. Another objective is to create an ambitious roadmap for India Central Asia cooperation.

Mr Modi said diplomatic relations between India and Central Asian nations have completed 30 fruitful years. He said this cooperation has received many successes over the past three decades. He said it is time to define an ambitious vision for the coming years as well.

Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan participated in the Summit.