External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar expressed concerns over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and called for establishing a truly inclusive government, and preserving the rights of minorities.
India today hosting the third meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue aimed to further strengthen ties between the member countries, with a particular focus on trade, connectivity, and development cooperation.
“We all share deep-rooted ties with Afghanistan and our concerns and objectives for the country include a true and representative govt, fighting against terrorism and drug trafficking, and preserving the rights of women, children, and minorities in Afghanistan,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks.
“We must find ways of helping the people of Afghanistan,” he added.
This Dialogue saw the participation from Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, said that this event will help boost bilateral, political, economical, and humanitarian ties. “I am confident that this forum serves as a milestone to reaffirm our sharing priorities and commitment to elevate our partnership to new levels,” he added.
Addressing the dialogue, Tajikistan Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin said his country considers the dialogue as a key to the development and strengthening of mutually beneficial partnerships. “India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world where a powerful industrial base has been created,” he added.
Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan also addressed the event and said the Central Asia-India dialogue is natural and impartial. “I am convinced that today’s dialogue will set the right guidelines for further partnership, adjustment of our positions, and approach towards new goals of cooperation,” he added.
Ministers condemn terrorism in all forms & manifestations
In a joint statement after the dialogue, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They also called for the early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
“The Ministers called on the international community to strengthen UN-led global counter-terrorism cooperation and fully implement the relevant UNSC resolutions, Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and FATF standards,” the statement read.
“The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of UNSC Resolution 2593 (2021) which unequivocally demands that Afghan territory not be used for sheltering, training, planning, or financing terrorist acts, and called for concerted action against all terrorist groups,” it added.
‘Welcome proposal to include Chabahar Port in INSTC’
The minister also welcomed the proposal to include Chabahar Port within the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and expressed interest in cooperation in areas of development, and strengthening of regional connectivity in Central and South Asia.
They also noted the need for continued large-scale and long-term economic cooperation between Central Asian countries and India in order to strengthen and expand interconnectivity.
“The Ministers emphasized optimum usage of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as well as Ashgabat Agreement on International Transport and Transit Corridor to enhance connectivity between India and the Central Asian countries,” it said.
“The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries reiterated the support of their countries for permanent membership of India in an expanded and reformed UN Security Council. They welcomed the ongoing non-permanent tenure of India in the UNSC and its priorities,” it added.
