Oriented on making people closer

Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov attended the fourth session of the Central Asia – India Dialogue held in New Delhi on June 6. This high-level meeting brought together the heads of the foreign ministries of the six countries to identify new areas of multilateral cooperation and economic interaction.

The discussions covered a wide range of key topics: from increasing mutual trade and investment to developing industrial cooperation and strengthening transport connectivity between Central Asia and India. Participants emphasized that this diplomatic mechanism is vital for promoting interstate dialogue and building mutually beneficial partnerships on the global and regional agenda.

Turkmenistan's Vision: Energy, Connectivity and Innovation

Minister Meredov emphasized Turkmenistan's active role in promoting trade, economic and investment integration through major infrastructure and logistics projects. He particularly emphasized the strategic importance of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, noting its potential to significantly enhance connectivity between Central Asia and India.

The dialogue also addressed in detail the development of the transport and transit potential of Central Asian countries and India, including the promotion of joint initiatives to create new regional and international transport corridors. In this context, the International North-South Transport Corridor is recognized as a cornerstone for connecting key transport hubs of Turkmenistan and India with the Middle East, the Caspian region and Europe.

In the context of regional security, the neutral status of Turkmenistan was noted as an effective tool for peacekeeping and strengthening stability in the regional and global dimensions. Looking to the future, the ministers proposed exploring the possibility of creating a Joint Program for Technological and Scientific Cooperation between Central Asia and India. This initiative will focus on educational exchanges, joint research, support for start-ups and the introduction of innovations in production, especially in advanced areas such as digital technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology. The importance of cooperation in the fields of healthcare, pharmaceuticals and scientific research was also emphasized.

The unification of the political and diplomatic potential of the Central Asian countries and India in the current global conditions is seen as a positive factor for solving global and regional problems, ensuring long-term stability and a balanced approach to common interests.

Meeting with Prime Minister Modi

On the same day, Minister Meredov, along with other heads of foreign affairs agencies of the Central Asian countries, took part in a collective meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders emphasized that an open and constructive dialogue established at the highest state level is a key factor in bilateral relations.

It was noted that Turkmenistan and India have enormous economic potential for expanding trade volumes, increasing investment and implementing joint projects in vital sectors such as energy, industry, high technology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. The meeting once again emphasized the importance of the TAPI gas pipeline project and the need to give new impetus to continue work in this direction.

It was emphasized that connecting the main transport hubs of Turkmenistan and India with the Middle East, the Caspian region and Europe will become a fundamental aspect of international logistics cooperation. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to further expand political and diplomatic relations with India, as well as its deep interest in deepening trade and economic cooperation and intensifying humanitarian exchanges.

ORIENT

Photo: mfa.gov.tm