New Delhi [India], June 6: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi on Friday, reaffirming India’s deepening engagement with the Central Asian region.
The high-level dialogue was attended by key foreign leaders including:
- Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan
- Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Foreign Minister of Tajikistan
- Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan
- Zheenbek Kulubaev, Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan
- Bakhtiyor Saidov, Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan
Jaishankar shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “With Central Asian colleagues at the start of the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also confirmed the event’s commencement in a post, highlighting its importance in India’s strategic foreign relations.
The Dialogue builds on past efforts, including the first India-Central Asia Summit in January 2022 and the third Dialogue in December 2021, also hosted in New Delhi. Rooted in centuries-old cultural and people-to-people ties, the Dialogue strengthens modern diplomatic cooperation between India and the five Central Asian nations—often referred to as part of India’s “Extended Neighbourhood.”
The agenda for the 4th Dialogue, held on June 6, 2025, focuses on enhancing ties in trade, connectivity, technology, and development cooperation. The ministers are also expected to exchange views on regional security, counterterrorism, and broader geopolitical issues of shared interest.
Additionally, the ministers will take part in the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting, held on June 5, organized by the MEA in collaboration with FICCI, further underscoring economic cooperation as a central pillar of the partnership.
The India-Central Asia Dialogue serves as a crucial platform to strengthen trust, mutual understanding, and comprehensive partnership between India and Central Asian nations, promoting regional peace, connectivity, and prosperity.