EAM Jaishankar Thanks Central Asian Nations for Support After Pahalgam Terror Attack, Reinforces Strategic Ties at 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue
New Delhi, June 7 – External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar on Friday expressed deep appreciation for the support shown by Central Asian nations in condemning the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
“I appreciate that your countries stood by India and condemned the heinous terrorist attack that took place in April in Pahalgam,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks at the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue held in New Delhi.
Dialogue Reflects Strengthening Regional Ties
The high-level meeting was attended by top diplomats from all five Central Asian republics:
- Kazakhstan – Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu
- Tajikistan – Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin
- Turkmenistan – Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov
- Kyrgyzstan – Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev
- Uzbekistan – Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov
Dr. Jaishankar highlighted India’s long-standing civilisational and cultural ties with Central Asia, calling the relationship "a partnership defined by shared aspirations, shared opportunities, and common challenges."
“These age-old bonds, forged through trade, exchange of ideas, and people-to-people contacts, have strengthened over time,” he noted.
PM Modi’s 2015 Visits Marked a Turning Point
Jaishankar recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visits to all five Central Asian capitals in July 2015, which he said gave India’s engagement with the region a “quantum boost.”
He also highlighted that in 2022, India and the Central Asian nations celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations, laying a firm legal and institutional foundation for strategic collaboration.
Trade, Connectivity, and Defence in Focus
The EAM stressed India’s status as a trusted development partner, pointing to initiatives like:
- ITEC training programs
- ICCR scholarships
- High Impact Community Development Projects funded by Indian grants for local development
He added that trade, investment, digital technology, fintech, inter-bank relations, defence, agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and emerging technologies are the key sectors for future collaboration.
India-Central Asia Business Council Pushes Economic Agenda
Jaishankar referred to the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting, held a day prior to the Dialogue, which focused on removing trade barriers and enhancing cooperation in areas like digital finance and regional connectivity.
“Both India and our Central Asian partners are committed to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation across all sectors,” he said.
Dialogue Platform Growing Since 2019
Launched in January 2019 in Samarkand, the India-Central Asia Dialogue has become a key mechanism for diplomatic coordination.
- 2nd meeting (2020): Held virtually, focused on security and infrastructure
- 3rd meeting (2021): Held in New Delhi, emphasized connectivity and trade
The current dialogue continues that momentum, as both sides strive for regional peace, prosperity, and stability, especially in light of global geopolitical and economic shifts.
India’s strategic ties with Central Asia are deepening beyond traditional diplomacy, now encompassing shared goals in counter-terrorism, economic resilience, and people-to-people partnerships. EAM Jaishankar’s remarks not only reflected gratitude for support during a time of national grief, but also India’s broader ambition to be a long-term partner in the region’s development and security roadmap.