What happened?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint call with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The Ministers briefed the Prime Minister on the 4th Meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue, held earlier in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that relations with Central Asian countries are a key priority for India and shared his vision for greater economic interconnections, expanded connectivity, enhanced defence and security cooperation, and comprehensive collaboration in new and emerging areas. The Central Asian Foreign Ministers strongly condemned the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam and expressed support for India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.
Why it matters to India
This meeting underscores India’s growing engagement with Central Asia, a region of strategic importance for connectivity, energy security, and regional stability. Strengthening economic ties, defence cooperation, and collaboration in emerging areas will benefit India’s geopolitical interests and economic growth. The strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack by Central Asian leaders highlights growing international solidarity with India in combating cross-border terrorism.