India's engagement with Central Asian nations has deepened in recent years
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is representing India at the 24rd SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, has held discussions with his counterparts from several Central Asian nations over the past few days. These meetings, covering a wide range of issues, from bilateral to regional and international, have highlighted India's increasing engagement with nations in the region in recent years.
 
Among the first leaders he met after his arrival in Astana was Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. Their meeting on Tuesday (July 2, 2024) focused on the expanding India-Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership. During the discussions, EAM Jaishankar also highlighted India's increasing engagement with Central Asian countries. 
 
"Delighted to meet DPM & FM Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan in Astana today.

Thanked him for the hospitality and arrangements for the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit. Discussed our expanding Strategic Partnership and India’s increasing engagement with Central Asia in various formats. 
 
Also exchanged views on regional and global issues," EAM Jaishankar wrote on X.
 
On Wednesday (July 4, 2024), he met Tajikistan Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin to take stock of the bilateral partnership as well as cooperation on international forums. They also exchanged views in the regional situation.
 
"Glad to meet Tajik FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin today in Astana. Took stock of our bilateral partnership and cooperation on multilateral forums. Appreciate the exchange of views on the regional situation," he said on X.

EAM Jaishankar also met Belarus Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov and discussed bilateral ties in addition to the potential for growth. He welcomes Belarus as the latest member of the SCO.
 
"Pleased to meet FM Maksim Ryzhenkov of Belarus today.  Welcome Belarus to the SCO as its newest member. Discussed our bilateral relationship and its future growth potential, " EAM Jaishankar said on X.
 
Another important meeting was that between EAM Jaishankar and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres; their discussions covered global hotspots and their larger implications, UN Security Council reforms, and a meaningful India-UN partnership. 
 
"Always a pleasure to meet UNSG @antonioguterres. Appreciate his insights on the state of the world. Discussed global hotspots and their larger implications. 

Spoke about the reform of the UNSC, preparations for the upcoming Summit of the Future, and future prospects for meaningful India-UN partnership," he said on X.
 
During the day, EAM Jaishankar paid homage at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Pushkin Park. "Paid homage at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Pushkin Park in Astana today. Joined by members of the Indian community and friends of India," he posted in X.
 
EAM Jaishankar is visiting Astana to participate in the 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, or the SCO Summit, being held under Kazakhstan’s presidency. 
 
According to India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), leaders attending the summit were expected to review the organization’s activities over the past two decades and discuss the state and prospects of multilateral cooperation. "Topical issues of regional and international importance are also expected to be discussed at the meeting," the MEA stated in a press release issued on Tuesday.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a political, economic, and security organization founded in 2001. The founding members include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The 17th SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra, saw India become a full Member State of the SCO.