The Summit is symbolic of the importance attached by the leaders of India and the Central Asian countries to an enduring India-Central Asia partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the first meeting of the India-Central Asia Summit, with the participation of the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in a virtual format on Monday.

During the summit, as per sources, the two sides are likely to focus their discussion in the areas of trade and connectivity, development partnership, culture and people to people contacts.

In 2015, Prime Minister Modi paid a historic visit to all Central Asian countries. Subsequently, there have been exchanges at high-levels at bilateral and multilateral forums.

From December 18 to 20, 2021, India and Central Asia held their Asia Dialogue at Foreign Ministers’ level in New Delhi, imparting a significant thrust to India-Central Asia relations.

Earlier on November 10, 2021, Secretaries of National Security Council of Central Asian countries attended NSA Ajit Doval hosted Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan. The Dialogue was also attended by NSAs of Russia and Iran.

During the virtual summit, Indian and Central Asian leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of interest, especially the evolving regional security situation.