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Key Points

India and five Central Asian nations converged in New Delhi to discuss enhanced regional connectivity through strategic infrastructure projects. The dialogue, led by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, focused on the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port as game-changing economic initiatives. Participants emphasized transparency, sovereignty, and mutual economic benefits in their collaborative approach. The meeting signaled a robust commitment to developing practical, sustainable regional partnerships.

Key Points: Jaishankar Leads India-Central Asia Connectivity Summit

  • India champions strategic transport corridor linking Central Asian nations
  • Chabahar Port emerges as key regional trade hub
  • ITEC program expands capacity building opportunities
  • Ministers commit to deeper financial and digital connectivity
3 min read

India, Central Asia push for regional connectivity, capacity building through INSTC and Chabahar Port

India and Central Asian nations strengthen regional trade, connectivity through INSTC and Chabahar Port strategic collaboration

"All connectivity initiatives should adhere to principles of transparency and sovereignty - Joint Statement, India-Central Asia Dialogue"

New Delhi, June 6

At the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue held in New Delhi on Friday, India and the Foreign Ministers of five Central Asian nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation through enhanced connectivity and human resource development through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar Port, aiming to strengthen trade and economic ties while bypassing certain geographic constraints.

The meeting, chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, placed particular focus on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the strategic utility of the Chabahar Port, and the expanding role of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.

The Ministers emphasized the optimum use of the INSTC to boost linkages between India and Central Asia and welcomed Kazakhstan's initiative to develop the eastern branch of the corridor. India reiterated its support for Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan joining the INSTC framework. The statement stressed that all connectivity initiatives should adhere to principles of transparency, broad participation, local priorities, financial sustainability, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, read the Joint Statement of the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue.

The potential of the Chabahar Port as a regional trade hub received strong endorsement. The Ministers appreciated the first meeting of the India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar Port held in Mumbai in April 2023.

India welcomed the interest of Central Asian nations in using the Shahid Beheshti Terminal to facilitate trade with India and beyond. The sides agreed to continue engagement to develop the region's transit potential through streamlined transit procedures and broader adoption of TIR Carnets between India and Central Asia, added the statement.

Recognising the importance of financial and banking linkages in facilitating regional trade and connectivity, the Ministers also underlined the need for deeper financial connectivity. This includes the promotion of digital payment systems, enhanced interbank relations, and trade in national currencies. The statement noted interest in establishing a Joint Working Group to explore options to strengthen banking and financial cooperation.

On capacity building, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme was appreciated by the Central Asian Foreign Ministers for its contributions in areas such as Information Technology and communication skills in English. India expressed readiness to expand the scope of the ITEC programme to align with the growing developmental interests of Central Asian countries, added the statement.

The 4th Dialogue reflected the continued evolution of the India-Central Asia partnership into one based on practical collaboration, mutual benefit, and shared commitment to sustainable regional growth. The Ministers thanked India for its hospitality and agreed to hold the next edition of the Dialogue in 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
This is a game-changing move for India's trade ambitions! Connecting with Central Asia through INSTC and Chabahar will reduce our dependence on traditional routes. Hope to see more Indian goods reaching these markets soon 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While the initiative is good, I worry about the implementation. We've seen many such agreements before that didn't translate to ground results. Hope this time there's proper follow-through with all stakeholders involved.
A
Arjun S.
Chabahar Port is our answer to Gwadar! Smart diplomacy by India to bypass Pakistan and create alternative trade routes. The digital payment cooperation is especially forward-looking 💡
S
Sunita R.
The ITEC program expansion is the real win here. Building people-to-people connections through education and skills training will create lasting bonds. More cultural exchanges would be great too!
V
Vikram J.
Hope this leads to cheaper imports of Central Asian dry fruits and other products for Indian consumers. The 'respect for sovereignty' mention is important given our neighborhood challenges.
N
Neha P.
As someone from Gujarat, I'm excited about Chabahar's potential! Our textile and diamond industries could benefit greatly from these new trade routes. Just hope the infrastructure keeps pace with the agreements 🤞

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