The 4th meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue, which was held in New Delhi on June 6, 2025 under the chairship of the External Affairs Minister of India. Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, resulted in adopting a joint statement.
The meeting participants, in particular, underlined the civilizational, cultural, and people-to-people linkages between India and Central Asian countries and reaffirmed their commitment to building a forward-looking, comprehensive and enduring India-Central Asia partnership.
They underlined the importance of greater financial connectivity between India and Central Asian countries, including through digital payment systems, enhanced interbank relations, and trade in national currencies to encourage greater trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
The Ministers emphasized optimum usage of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to enhance connectivity between India and the Central Asian countries.
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 countries to utilize the services of Shahid Beheshti Terminal at the Chabahar Port for facilitating their trade with India and beyond.
The Central Asian countries noted the importance of India Stack in accelerating digital transformation and providing public service delivery at scale. India agreed to provide assistance in developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Central Asian countries.
The Ministers expressed their desire to deepen cooperation in the health-care sector, including medical tourism.
The Sides expressed interest in joint exploration of rare earth and critical minerals. Appreciating the outcomes of the first India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum held in September 2024 in New Delhi, they called upon the relevant authorities to hold the second India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum meeting at the earliest convenience. The Ministers also encouraged exchange of delegations to explore new areas of cooperation in critical minerals.
The Ministers noted the importance of holding regular consultations among the National Security Councils of India and the Central Asian countries to strengthen efforts to counter terrorism and other emerging challenges in the region.
The Ministers unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgham. They reaffirmed their firm commitment to fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The Ministers noted the important role played by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in creating conditions for strengthening peace, security, stability, economic development and people-to-people exchanges in the region.
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries reiterated support of their countries for permanent membership of India in an expanded and reformed UN Security Council.
The Ministers reiterated their strong support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan which is free from terrorism, war and drugs 28. The Ministers commended the integration of the regional logistics hub in Termez, Uzbekistan into the global stockpile network to enhance UNHCR’s capacity for the rapid delivery of core relief items to forcibly displaced people worldwide.
