Central and South Asia: Steps to restore forgotten ties

Time of India

20-05-2025

The first meeting of the
Termez
Dialogue on Connectivity between
Central and South Asia
, dedicated to the theme "Building a Common Space for Peace, Friendship, and Prosperity," is being held in Termez, Uzbekistan between May 19-21.
This meeting is expected to be attended by representatives of the foreign policy agencies of
Central and South
Asian countries, which are becoming the focus of world politics, as well as representatives of specialized UN organizations, international and regional organizations such as the CIS, the SCO, the CICA, and leading specialists and experts in relevant fields. Chabahar Port & INSTC are inclusive connectivity tools to connect Eurasia with the Indian Ocean Region and India.
Central and
South
Asia have long been connected by reliable trade routes and have served as a bridge between the countries of the Middle East, Europe, and China. The peoples of this region share historical and civilizational commonalities, having repeatedly existed within common state associations in the past, as well as within a single political, economic, and humanitarian space. Over many centuries, relations between the two regions have been strengthened by numerous migration flows, intensive trade exchanges, rapid dissemination of scientific ideas, and cultural cross-pollination.
As a result of the spread of Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam in these regions, unique ethnocultural associations formed, which left a deep mark on human history.
The incorporation of the peoples of this region into such states as the Bactrian and Kushan kingdoms, the Turkic Khaganate, Khorasan and Transoxiana, the Ghaznavid, Timurid, and Mughal empires had a great influence on their historical, cultural, and political development. Common customs, traditions, lifestyles, and holidays were formed; spiritual values were created in Persian, Turkish, and Arabic. Medieval cities such as Bukhara, Samarkand, Termez, Balkh, Herat, Ghazni, Agra, and Delhi were shared centers of science.
The mutual competition of colonial powers negatively affected the traditional ties, trade, and cultural exchange of the peoples of Central and South Asia. Trade and economic relations in South Asia changed, and local supply systems, main industries, and economies became dependent on supplies from outside the region. This development weakened the traditional cultural ties between South Asia and Central Asia.
Today, jointly addressing existing problems that threaten peace and stability in the region is one of the important factors in the social, cultural, and economic development of these countries. Therefore, the renewal of their close historical ties is becoming increasingly relevant. Taking the above into account, the Termez Dialogue on the Connectivity between Central and South Asia is being organized.
The location chosen for the dialogue is connected to the geostrategic position of this city, situated at the crossroads of Central and
South Asia
, or at the intersection of interregional connectivity routes. Termez has long been a center of trade, economy, and crafts, serving as a link between the vast regions of Central and South Asia. Therefore, from a geopolitical perspective, the city can be considered a "natural bridge" connecting Central and South Asia, the most suitable place for bringing the peoples of the region closer together through its historical location and cultural heritage.
Currently, the countries of Central and South Asia represent a territory of global significance, with a population of more than 2 billion people and great educational potential. The region is experiencing high demographic growth, with the majority of the population consisting of young people, and there are enormous opportunities for realizing intellectual potential. While the population of South Asian countries is about 2 billion people, the number of people living in Central Asia is about 82 million, and the population of Central Asian states is growing year by year. The countries exhibit a "disparity in literacy levels." For example, among the leading countries of Central Asia, the average adult literacy rate is 99 percent, while in South Asia it is 74 percent.
One of the pressing problems is the uneven quality of education, insufficient coverage of preschool and higher education, especially among girls and residents of remote areas. In South Asia, youth unemployment remains high, and in some countries, this figure exceeds 40 percent. At the same time, the employment rate of women is one of the lowest in the world. In addition, the infrastructure of educational systems is not sufficiently developed, and the shortage of specialists and teacher qualifications also creates a number of problems.
In this context, cooperation in the field of science and education is becoming increasingly relevant. Scientific cooperation in the context of digitalization and geopolitical instability will allow for maintaining dialogue between academic circles. At the same time, limited academic mobility and weak coordination between scientific communities significantly hinder the development of states' potential in science, innovation, and technology.
In this regard, it is necessary to encourage joint research and innovation work, the organization of scientific and educational internships, experience exchange programs, the development of startups, and the holding of competitions.
The adoption of a joint program of academic and research exchanges under the auspices of
UNESCO
is becoming relevant. It is also necessary to launch an online platform between universities and research structures of the countries of Central and South Asia.
This will contribute to the creation of a sustainable regional network of scientific diplomacy, the formation of a common agenda in the field of education and technology, and the emergence of a unified scientific space.
The above-mentioned steps will serve as a powerful tool for the development of scientific diplomacy, which will facilitate interaction between the countries of the two regions.
From this point of view, the integration of intellectual resources in Central and South Asia, strengthening cooperation in the field of education, and developing cooperation platforms to improve the quality of education are important for the future of the region. The transformation of demographic potential into human capital is the main condition for sustainable development, economic growth, and a worthy place in global competition for both regions. In this regard, the development of education as one of the priority areas of regional cooperation, the development of partnerships for the exchange of experience and training of personnel in various countries is most relevant.
The countries of the region, in particular India and other South Asian countries, have in recent decades been occupying an increasingly prominent place in the world community in the field of science, technology, and innovation. Information technology, aeronautics, pharmaceutical production, and artificial intelligence are rapidly developing in India. For example, in 2014, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made history as the first Asian country to launch an artificial satellite into Mars orbit. In 2023, as part of the "Chandrayaan-3" project, a successful landing on the Moon's surface was achieved. These results demonstrate the country's independent and innovative capabilities in the scientific field.
In the field of information technology, India has become one of the world's largest IT outsourcing centers. Cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai have become major hubs for Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, and many other multinational corporations. Every year, millions of specialists in technical and technological fields are trained in the country. Among India's higher education institutions are prestigious scientific centers like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Science (IISc), which also rank highly in global ratings. It's worth noting that scientific research in artificial intelligence, bioengineering, quantum computing, and cybersecurity is widespread in the country.
In Bangladesh, alongside the textile and light industry, information technology is developing rapidly. Based on the "Digital Bangladesh" strategy, the country has widely implemented e-government, digital, and distance learning services. In 2021, over 120 IT parks were established in Bangladesh, demonstrating the country's commitment to digitalizing its economy.
Afghanistan's scientific and technological potential remains limited, and issues related to political stability are hindering its development. Nevertheless, some universities and educational institutions in the country, particularly Kabul University, participate in scientific projects with the support of various international educational organizations.
In this context, developing a joint strategy for digital connectivity between Central and South Asia is crucial. Adopting such a document will create significant opportunities for stimulating trade and investment, improving access to education and healthcare, strengthening regional cooperation, and increasing competitiveness on the global stage.
Coordinating efforts of Central and South Asian countries to widely implement the digital economy will contribute to improving digitalization processes in all spheres of life. Moreover, this will advance the implementation of the SDG initiative to ensure safe Internet access for the population and will open up great opportunities for education and medical services.
Overall, deepening digital connectivity between Central and South Asia will bring significant economic and social benefits to both regions, create a solid foundation for expanding trade, economic, energy, and transport links, and enhance the competitiveness of the region's states on the global arena.
In general, the Termez Dialogue is an important initiative that contributes to elevating the interaction between Central and South Asian states to a new level in the process of today's geopolitical and civilizational transformations. This dialogue, particularly in the fields of education, science, and new technologies, will stimulate, consolidate, and expand the intellectual potential of the two regions. This is because in both regions, the majority of the population consists of young people who show high interest in education, are capable of scientific research, and quickly adapt to digital technologies.
Today, countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have achieved world-class successes in information technology, biotechnology, nuclear physics, medicine, and artificial intelligence, while Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian countries are also taking active measures to update scientific infrastructure, expand international cooperation, and implement modern educational projects. The Termez Dialogue is a unique opportunity to combine this experience and achievements, establish student and scholar exchanges, create joint research centers, and develop startups and innovative platforms in IT and STEM.
This dialogue has great historical significance in ensuring regional stability, creating a foundation for peace, progress, and intellectual development through science and education. The states of Central and South Asia have the potential to become the leading intellectual center in the entire Eurasian space based on the principle of mutual trust and shared future, integration in the spheres of education and science.
Termez platform – dialogue for ensuring security and stability in Central and South Asia
The first meeting of the Termez dialogue on interconnectedness between Central and South Asia on the topic 'Building common peace, friendship and prosperity' will take place in Termez on May 19-21 of this year in order to strengthen interregional political and economic intercooperation, as well as to develop and improve mechanisms and forms of interaction in the field of ensuring regional security and stability.
About 200 people from Central and South Asia, Europe, CIS countries, APR, America, the Middle East and Africa are expected to participate in the forum. Among them there are representatives of political-economic and business circles, financial institutions, international and regional organizations, as well as prominent experts from world analytical and research centers.
The 'Termez Platform' is designed to become a permanent platform for determining the prospects for further promoting interregional connectivity and maintaining peace, security and stability in the vast Eurasian region.
As is known, since ancient times, Central and South Asia have been closely connected through trade, cultural exchange and political processes. Geographical proximity and ancient trade routes contributed to active dialogue between peoples and civilizations, the exchange of goods and culture as well as the formation of a shared historical and cultural identity in the region. Following the acquisition of independence, the Central Asian states began gradually developing their own foreign policy and economic strategies toward South Asia.
Given the significance of Central and South Asia, shaped by their strategic location, abundant natural resources, demographic potential and historical heritage, these regions have become the subject of extensive scientific research. Thus, from the perspective of the regional security complex, scholars consider Central and South Asia as two independent yet equal regions. In this context, it is important to emphasize the transformation of Afghanistan's role as a key component of the regional security complex, facilitating interconnectedness and the gradual rapprochement between South and Central Asia.
It should be noted that Uzbekistan, located in the heart of Central Asia, plays a key role in ensuring regional security and stability. At the same time, the country, actively promoting constructive foreign policy initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and cooperation in the region, acts as the locomotive of economic interconnectedness between Central and South Asia. Recognizing the growing demand for mutual ties between the regions, in July 2021 in Tashkent, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev a high-level international conference 'Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities' was held. There the proposal to develop and submit for consideration to the
UN General Assembly
a draft special resolution 'On Strengthening the Connectivity between Central and South Asia' was put forward. As a result, in July 2022, the UN member states unanimously approved the adoption of this resolution, which became another vivid testament to the recognition of our country's role and authority in deepening interconnectedness, establishing dialogue with the region and maintaining peace and stability.
It should be emphasized that the resolution calls on states to unite their efforts in combating common challenges and threats to stability and security in Central and South Asia, recommends continuing and deepening interregional cooperation by expanding transport infrastructure and information-communication technologies, as well as by developing new international transport corridors that provide convenient, sustainable, commercially viable, affordable, accessible, inclusive and safe routes to seaports.
In these processes, Termez has the potential to become a unique platform for connecting the two regions, both in terms of ensuring regional security and in terms of developing trade and economic relations. At the same time, the city of Termez, historically considered as one of the centers of dialogue between peoples and civilizations, the development of trade, humanitarian, and other ties, for many centuries occupied a strategically important position in the region. Thus, the era of the Kushan Empire, Termez served as a major cultural center where various civilizations actively interacted. The city was a significant hub for the transmission of Buddhist art and literature, which spread widely across Central and South Asia. Moreover, from a geographical point of view, Termez was a link between Central and South Asia. It was also one of the key points on the Great Silk Road connecting East and West.
At the present stage, Termez serves as a starting point for the implementation of a number of transport and infrastructure projects, such as the 'Termez – Mazari-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar' railway, the 'Surkhan – Puli-Khumri' power lines, and others. In general, the significance of the Termez platform lies in the following:
Firstly, in the context of ensuring regional security and stability, the city of Termez has consistently held a central position. Following the events of 11/9/2001 the 'Termez Strategic Air Transport Point' was established here, which operated from 2002 to 2015 and ensured the logistics of humanitarian cargo for the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. This experience further reinforced the city's significance as a secure transit and supply hub during times of military instability.
In addition, Termez is actively used within the framework of Uzbekistan's joint initiatives with international partners in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and cross-border crime. In this context, the 'Friendship Bridge' connecting Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, plays an important role in ensuring control not only over the movement of people and cargo, but also in monitoring the illegal trafficking of drugs (including synthetic drugs) coming from Afghanistan, which is important for maintaining regional security (for example, employees of the 'Ayritom' border customs post in Surkhandarya region in March 2022 prevented an attempt to illegally import a batch of narcotic drugs with a total weight of 154 kg and in February of this year – 612 kg).
At the same time, Termez is considered a platform for constructive resolution of border issues. Thus, on August 22-28, 2024, a regular meeting of the working groups of the joint Uzbek-Tajik demarcation Commission was held in Termez. During the meeting, joint work continued on coordinating the passage of the design demarcation line of the Uzbek-Tajik state border, following which a corresponding protocol was signed.
Secondly, the trade, economic, and logistical significance of the city of Termez, as a material foundation for long-term peace and security in Central and South Asia, is determined by its strategic location and modern logistical infrastructure. In particular, in 2022, 'The Termez Cargo Center terminal' received the status of an international multifunctional logistics hub serving cargo flows to Afghanistan and South Asian countries. This, in turn, has elevated its status in international humanitarian infrastructure (from 2025 it has been integrated into the UN High Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs warehouse network) and contributed to the expansion of humanitarian shipments' geography (in 2022 humanitarian aid was delivered by air from Termez to flood victims in Pakistan, in 2021-2022 the
UNHCR Regional Humanitarian Logistics Center
in Termez sent 217 trucks with essential goods to Afghanistan). It is noteworthy that Termez's infrastructure is being actively utilized by international organizations to deliver food and medicine to South Asia, which contributes to reducing social tension and preventing the escalation of conflicts caused by humanitarian crises.
Furthermore, the opening of the
Termez International Trade Center
in August 2024, designed to create a favorable business environment and logistics, simplify administrative procedures and create conditions for entrepreneurs, on the one hand, enhances the city's economic attractiveness and, on the other hand, stimulates the growth of economic cooperation between Central and South Asia. In this context, it should be noted that on the territory of the Center (37 hectares, 500 meters from the border with Afghanistan), where 3 thousand retail outlets are located, a 15-day visa-free regime has been introduced for visitors.
In this regard, Termez is also considered a suitable platform for conducting bilateral economic relations. Thus, in March and April of this year, representatives of the Afghan delegation, headed by the Minister of Trade N. Azizi and business circles of the Balkh province, visited the city of Termez, where they held a meeting with the Uzbek side to develop bilateral trade and economic cooperation and expand cooperation in such sectors as agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, food, and mining.
Thirdly, the cultural and humanitarian potential of Termez is considered to be of considerable importance. Thus, in 2018, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, an educational center for Afghan citizens was created. This educational institution is the only one in the world that provides training exclusively for Afghans in 17 areas of higher and 16 areas of secondary specialized, vocational education. During his functioning, about 700 Afghan citizens underwent training, meanwhile 200 of them are girls.
The institution actively maintains international relations and cooperation with donor countries and foreign organizations such as UNDP, EU, GFR, Slovakia, India. Thus, in January 2023, the 'EU Knowledge Center' was opened on the basis of this educational institution to train and educate Afghan citizens (this is a coworking space that provides a platform for joint work, self-learning, and establishing professional connections). Overall, the establishment of an educational center for Afghanistan in Termez will expand access to quality education for Afghan citizens, as well as provide an educational environment and technologies for vocational training.
Therefore, Central and South Asia, dynamically developing regions with stable economic growth and new development opportunities, have significant potential due to their rich resources, economic complementarity, demographic potential, common tasks, and geographical proximity. At the same time, Uzbekistan's efforts are aimed at integrating the two regions within a single space of cooperation, security, and sustainable development.
In this context, it should be noted that today it is important to establish a security forum, which can become a platform for discussing issues of jointly countering challenges and threats. This will contribute to the formation and strengthening of the architecture of interregional security, ensuring stability and sustainable development. Moreover, this initiative aligns with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev's 2021 proposal to consolidate efforts in combating the threats of terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking.
In these processes, the 'Termez platform' not only serves as a constructive mechanism for ensuring security and stability in Central and South Asia, but also has the potential to become an additional tool for developing trade, economic and transport links between the regions. At the same time, a promising area of cooperation for both regions is considered to be, first of all, security issues, including the fight against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, as well as the development of interaction in the fields of transport, tourism, and education.
The Termez Platform's climate agenda focuses on developing harmonised approaches to climate adaptation and risk mitigation while facilitating the exchange of best practices and the deployment of water and energy conservation technologies. Both regions urgently need robust climate strategies centered on:
Sustainable resource management systems
Accelerated renewable energy development
Green agricultural transformation
Climate-resilient infrastructure modernization
Advanced early warning and disaster response networks
By actively engaging scientific communities and private sector innovators, the platform will unlock opportunities for cross-regional projects, technology transfer, and coordinated investment.
Afghanistan: The Critical Bridge
Afghanistan occupies a pivotal position in the Termez Dialogue as the natural bridge and connector between these regions. Including Afghanistan in interregional climate initiatives ensures true inclusivity while supporting its sustainable development through green economy pathways. Given its high vulnerability to climate impacts, Afghanistan could serve as both a testing ground for pioneering projects and play a meaningful role in shaping shared interregional solutions.
Advancing Water Cooperation
The Termez Platform also offers a powerful channel for promoting international water law principles. Central Asian nations, with their extensive experience under the Helsinki Convention on Transboundary Watercourses (1992), can support interested South Asian countries in either joining this framework or establishing bilateral and multilateral agreements based on its principles-expertise particularly valuable as South Asia confronts growing competition for shared water resources.
A New Beginning
The Termez Platform has the potential to become more than a symbol of the deep historical ties between Central and South Asia. It can serve as a practical, strategic mechanism for inter-regional collaboration on the defining challenge of our time: climate security. By pooling knowledge, resources, and a shared vision for prosperity, these nations can establish a groundbreaking environmental and climate partnership that revitalizes their ties and transforms climate threats into a unifying force. Only by acting together can we ensure environmental and political resilience across these two vital regions, home to over a billion people.
In today's context of rapid population growth, accelerating climate change, and an increasing frequency of natural disasters, regional cooperation in environmental protection and green development has never been more critical. In this regard, it would be highly beneficial to explore the establishment of a permanent interregional conference, held on a rotating basis among countries of Central and South Asia. Such a forum could provide an essential platform for formulating joint proposals and recommendations aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate and environmental challenges.
Furthermore, the pressing nature of these trends underscores the importance of adopting, under the auspices of the UN World Food Programme, a Regional Cooperation Programme on Food Security. The programme would aim to enhance interregional agro-industrial cooperation, promote the development of smart agriculture, introduce advanced water-saving technologies, breed high-yield and climate-resilient crop varieties, and improve livestock genetics to bolster agricultural sustainability across the region.