India on Wednesday extended a $ 1 billion credit line to Central Asian countries for priority projects in connectivity, energy, IT and healthcare, and the move is seen as part of New Delhi’s efforts to boost its role as a partner. transparent development.
The credit line was well received by the ministers of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan during the second meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue held by videoconference under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Haneef Atmar joined the meeting as a special guest.
The meeting discussed cooperation in political and security matters, with all countries calling for the Afghan conflict to be resolved on the principle of an “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process,” according to a statement. set. Countries also condemned terrorism and reaffirmed their determination to destroy terrorists’ havens, networks, and funding channels.
In an unspoken reference to Pakistan, the joint statement said: “They also underscored the need for all countries to ensure that their territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks against other countries.”
Jaishankar told the meeting: “India and Central Asia share ancient historical and cultural ties. We regard Central Asia as India’s ‘extended neighborhood’. “He added:” We face common challenges of terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking … All these commonalities make us a natural partner in our development journey. “.
In addition to the billion dollar line of credit, India provided grants for high impact community development projects to boost socio-economic development in Central Asia.
The ministers emphasized the importance of connectivity to increase trade and commerce between India and Central Asia, and appreciated New Delhi’s efforts to modernize the port of Chabahar in Iran as an important link in trade and transportation between the markets of Central and South Asia, according to the joint statement. The ministers agreed to promote joint initiatives for the creation of regional and international transport corridors.
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