India and Five Central Asian countries pledge support for stable Afghanistan during India-Central Asia Dialogue

New Delhi: The third meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was held in New Delhi yesterday under the chairmanship of the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in the meeting. 

A Joint Statement released after the India-Central Asia Dialogue said, the Ministers emphasized on the civilizational, cultural, trade and people-to-people linkages between India and Central Asian countries and reaffirmed their commitment to building a comprehensive and enduring India-Central Asia partnership.

The sides also discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and its impact on the region. The Ministers reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan while emphasizing the respect for sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal



affairs.

The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of UNSC Resolution 2593 which unequivocally demands that Afghan territory not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts and called for concerted action against all terrorist groups. The Ministers also agreed to continue close consultations on the situation in Afghanistan.

The Ministers supported the gradual restoration of the people-to-people contacts, tourism and business ties between India and Central Asian countries.

Delivering his opening remarks, the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, India and Central Asian countries share deep-rooted historical and civilizational ties with Afghanistan. He stressed that ways must be found to help the people of Afghanistan. He said this was a good opportunity to review both bilateral and regional relationships and consider the challenges we face.