India will be hosting the first meeting of the India-Central Asia Summit in a virtual format today. Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will participate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a historic visit to all Central Asian countries in 2015.
Subsequently, there have been exchanges at high levels at bilateral and multilateral forums. The Summit is symbolic of the importance attached by the Leaders of India and the Central Asian countries to a comprehensive and enduring India-Central Asia partnership.
This will be the first engagement of its kind between India and the Central Asian countries at the level of leaders. The summit is a reflection of India’s growing engagement with the Central Asian countries, which are a part of India’s extended neighbourhood.
During the Summit, the leaders are expected to discuss steps to take forward India-Central Asia relations to newer heights.
They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of interest, especially the evolving regional security situation.