India-Central Asia Summit / PM Modi will host on January 27, leaders of many countries will participate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the first India-Central Asian countries summit. The Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday that this meeting will be held in a virtual manner on January 27.

Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will attend this first summit. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs said that this will be the first of its kind at the level of leaders between India and the Central Asian countries. "The first India-Central Asia Summit is a reflection of India's growing engagement with Central Asian countries," the ministry said. These countries are part of India's extended neighbourhood.

PM Modi's visit in 2015

Prime Minister Modi had made a historic visit to all the Central Asian countries in 2015. Since then high level exchanges have started with these countries in bilateral and multilateral fora. The India-Central Asia Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers began in New Delhi on 18-20 December 2021. This meeting has given impetus to India-Central Asia relations. Prior to this, the National Security Secretaries of Central Asian countries participated in the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi on November 10, 2021. It discussed a general regional outlook on Afghanistan.

The ministry said steps to take India-Central Asia ties to new heights are expected to be discussed during the first India-Central Asia Summit. They are also expected to exchange views on other regional and international issues, especially the emerging regional security situation. The summit signifies the importance attached by the leaders of India and Central Asian countries to a comprehensive and enduring partnership, the statement said.