NSA Doval also highlighted the Rare Earths Cooperation/Strategic Mineral Collaboration…reports Asian Lite News
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Tuesday underscored the importance of connectivity and economic integration with the Central Asian countries and said that it is a key priority for India.
” Connectivity and economic integration with the Central Asian countries is a key priority for India. However, while promoting connectivity, it is important to ensure that connectivity initiatives are consultative, transparent and participatory,” Doval said while participating in the second meeting of the India-Central Asia Secretaries/National Security Advisers of the Security Councils in Kazakhstan.
The meeting hosted by Kazakhstan was attended by the National Security Advisers/Secretaries of the National Security Councils of India, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Moreover, Turkmenistan was represented by their Embassy in Astana. Doval further said that they (Central Asian countries) should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
“They should also adhere to environmental parameters, ensure financial viability and not become debt burdens,” he added. However, he said that the absence of direct land access between Central Asia and India is an anomaly.
“This absence of direct connectivity is the result of a conscious policy of denial by a particular country. This situation is not only self-defeating for this country but it also reduces the collective well-being of the entire region,” he added.
Notably, India is a member of both the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat Agreement. Doval further invited the Central Asian neighbours to utilize the Chabahar port as well as its Shaheed Bahesti terminal operated by India.
“Invited Central Asian neighbours to utilize the Chabahar port as well as its Shaheed Bahesti terminal operated by an Indian company for maritime trade and solicited support for including Chabahar port within the framework of INSTC,” he said.
Moreover, both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan will be joining the INSTC soon. With this, all five Central Asian countries will be a member of the INSTC.
The other key points made by NSA Doval during the meeting revolved around the relations between India and the Central Asian countries including in the political, trade, economy, security and defence fields that have transformed into multifaceted and mutually beneficial relations based on mutual trust, understanding and friendship.
“Central Asia and India face common security challenges and threats. Malign actors from interconnected networks threaten our shared neighbourhood,” he said.
Doval further highlighted Digital Public Infrastructure, noting that India is ready to provide technology patented by our Central Bank, also known as United Payment Interface (UPI) free of cost to Central Asian countries for their independent use.
“Facilities setting up of sovereign digital real-time payment systems in accordance with the need and requirement in your countries. Such a system will greatly enhance commercial linkages and benefit people who may have to travel to India for medical treatment,” he stated.
He further stressed that it will also help businessmen and Indian students, studying in Central Asian countries.
NSA Doval also highlighted the Rare Earths Cooperation/Strategic Mineral Collaboration and said that India proposed to set up an India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum for possible partnerships in the rare earth and strategic minerals domain.
“This will also facilitate the participation of Indian private companies in this region for investments and joint economic development,” he said.
He further added that such collaborations should be mutually beneficial, transparent and designed to meet long-term requirements.
Further discussing ‘terrorism’, Doval noted that terrorism in all forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
“Any act of terrorism, regardless of its motivation or cause, is unjustifiable. Offered fully funded capacity building programmes in a wide range of areas,” he said. (ANI)