India and Tajikistan reaffirm strategic partnership during MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh's visit to Dushanbe
Dushanbe, June 12
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Friday met with Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, to discuss the deepening of bilateral ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, the two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of India-Tajikistan bilateral relations. The discussions focused on identifying and expanding avenues for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, further solidifying the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between India and Tajikistan.
As part of India's ongoing efforts to foster regional cultural and intellectual exchange, Minister Singh extended an invitation to Tajikistan for high-level participation in the inaugural SCO Civilizational Dialogue. The event is scheduled to be hosted by India in Kolkata next month, serving as a platform to highlight shared civilizational linkages among SCO member states.
In a post on X, the MoS said, "Pleased to meet H.E. Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, in Dushanbe. Reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Tajikistan bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of mutual interest. Requested high-level participation from Tajikistan in the 1st SCO Civilizational Dialogue, to be hosted by India in Kolkata next month. Reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between India and Tajikistan."
Meanwhile, Singh on Friday reaffirmed India's enduring commitment to its partnership with Central Asia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during his two-day official visit to Tajikistan.
Participating in the SCO Conference titled "Central Asia - The Core of SCO: A Space of Peace and Joint Development," the Minister outlined India's strategic vision for the bloc. Kirti Vardhan Singh announced that India will host the inaugural edition of the SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum in Kolkata from July 17-19, 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the forum and deliver the keynote address. The forum is designed to serve as a platform for deepening mutual understanding, promoting intercultural dialogue, and celebrating the shared heritage and arts of SCO member states.
In a post on X, he reaffirmed India's commitment to an enduring partnership with Central Asia and SCO. He said, "Participated in the SCO Conference on 'Central Asia - The Core of SCO: A Space of Peace and Joint Development' in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Reaffirmed India's commitment to our enduring partnership with Central Asia and SCO. Highlighted India's priorities in the SCO, including youth engagement, cultural exchanges, strengthening regional connectivity and civilizational linkages, including India holding the 1st SCO Civilization Dialogue Forum, in Kolkata, next month."
India views Central Asia as its "extended neighbourhood" and a vital partner in fostering regional prosperity, security, and economic integration.
Singh highlighted the 25th anniversary of the organisation as a pivotal moment for both reflection and strategic adjustment in the face of a volatile global order.
He said, "This year, 2026, marks the 25th Anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. It is indeed an opportune moment for reflection on our achievements and also a time for recalibration, keeping in mind the ongoing disruptions in the world order.
Minister Singh emphasised the unique significance of the current leadership structure within the bloc, noting that the presidencies of its two supreme decision-making bodies, the Council of Heads of State and the Council of Heads of Government, are currently held by Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, respectively."
"It is particularly significant that the presidencies of both its highest decision-making mechanisms--the Council of Heads of State and the Council of Heads of Government--are being held by Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, respectively. This presents a unique opportunity not only to celebrate the Organisation's achievements, but also to shape its future direction under the leadership of Central Asia," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is wonderful diplomacy in action! 🤝 Central Asia is our extended neighbourhood and it's heartening to see our government actively engaging. But I hope we also focus on people-to-people connections and not just high-level meetings. Would love to see more student exchanges and cultural festivals between India and Tajikistan.
While these diplomatic engagements are necessary, I'm a bit skeptical about how much translates into real benefits for common citizens. The SCO has been around for 25 years but has it really helped in tackling cross-border terrorism or improving connectivity? Let's see some concrete outcomes from these dialogues.
Proud moment for India! 🇮🇳 Our ties with Central Asian countries are getting stronger by the day. The Cultural Dialogue in Kolkata is a brilliant idea - we have so much to share with each other. Plus, Tajikistan being a key player in Afghanistan matters makes this partnership crucial for our security interests. Well done, MEA!
Excellent diplomatic outreach! The SCO Civilizational Dialogue is a unique concept - using culture and shared heritage as a bridge for cooperation. India has always been a civilization-state and leveraging that in foreign policy is smart. Just hope the logistics and substance match the ambition. Kolkata hosting is also a great choice for showcasing our diversity.
Nice to see our foreign policy focusing on cultural diplomacy alongside traditional security and trade. The SCO being 25 years old is indeed a good time to reflect and recalibrate. But I only wish we had more direct flights or better connectivity with Central Asia - it's still so hard to travel to Tajikistan from India! That's one area where concrete progress would help.
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