
Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov arrives in Delhi to participate in India- Central Asia Dialogue
Details of his arrival were also shared by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X.
https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1930511545240293571
Earlier in the day, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin and Zheenbek Kulubaev, Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic also arrived in New Delhi to participate in the fourth India-Central Asia Dialogue.
The India-Central Asia Dialogue, launched in Samarkand in 2019, is a key ministerial platform aimed at strengthening ties between India and the Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The earlier editions of the Dialogue have focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, connectivity, and economic cooperation. This year's meeting is expected to build on those priorities, with discussions on trade, infrastructure, technology, and joint development initiatives.
India shares centuries-old cultural and historical connections with the Central Asian region. Buddhism spread from India through Tibet to Central Asia, leaving a spiritual legacy visible at key sites such as Kara Tepe, Fayaz Tepe, and Adzhina Tepe. Indian monks helped translate scriptures and establish monasteries across the region, forming the early basis of engagement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to all five Central Asian nations in 2015 gave a major boost to the India- Central Asia ties. His participation in successive Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summits in Tashkent, Bishkek, and Samarkand further reinforced India's outreach. The first India-Central Asia Summit, held virtually in January 2022 and attended by the Presidents of all five nations, led to the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, institutionalising biennial summits and regular ministerial dialogues. (ANI)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indian Express
17 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Jaishankar said Taiwan part of China, says Beijing; no change in ties with Taipei: Delhi
Beijing said Tuesday External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that 'Taiwan is part of China' and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval conveyed that India 'consistently adhered to the one-China policy'. Responding to these remarks in the Chinese readout of Wang's meetings in New Delhi, official sources said there has been 'no change' in India's position on Taiwan and its ties with Taipei are focused on economy, technology and culture. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, in an English version of the readout on Jaishankar's meeting with Wang Monday, quoted the External Affairs Minister as having said: 'Stable, cooperative, and forward-looking India-China relations serve the interests of both countries. Taiwan is part of China.' And, in its readout of the meeting between Doval and Wang, China quoted Doval saying 'it is necessary to enhance understanding, deepen trust, and strengthen cooperation, as this is crucial for the well-being of the peoples of both countries and world peace and development. India has consistently adhered to the one-China policy.' India has always maintained the One-China policy – which means Taiwan is part of China. India and Taiwan have their representative offices in each other's country, focusing on trade and cultural activities. And now, a technology component has been added to it. India does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan yet because it follows the One-China policy. However, during then Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India in December 2010, India did not mention support for the One-China policy in the joint communique. That has been the template for the last 15 years. Responding to the Chinese readout Tuesday, sources said, 'There is no change in our position on Taiwan. We stressed that like the rest of the world, India has a relationship with Taiwan that focuses on economic, technology and cultural ties. We intend to continue it.' In an oblique reference to US President Donald Trump's moves on tariffs, the Chinese readout of the meeting between Jaishankar and Wang said, 'Wang Yi stated that in today's world, unprecedented changes are unfolding at a faster pace, unilateralism and bullying acts are rampant, and free trade and the international order face severe challenges.' 'On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, humanity has reached a critical crossroads in determining the direction of the future. As the two largest developing countries with a combined population of more than 2.8 billion, China and India should demonstrate a sense of global responsibility, act as major countries, set an example for developing countries in pursuit of strength through unity, and contribute to advancing a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations,' it said. According to the Chinese readout, Wang also said that the 'successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan (in Russia last October) has provided guidance for the resumption and a new start for China-India relations. Both sides have been earnestly implementing the common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, gradually resuming exchanges and dialogues at various levels, maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas, and enabling Indian pilgrims to resume their pilgrimages to the sacred mountains and lakes in China's Xizang' – a reference to the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. 'China-India relations are showing a positive trend toward returning to the main course of cooperation. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. Both sides should earnestly draw lessons from the past 75 years, form a correct strategic perception, view each other as partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats, invest their valuable resources in development and revitalization, and explore right ways for neighboring major countries to get along with each other, which are characterized by mutual respect and trust, peaceful coexistence, pursuit of common development, and win-win cooperation,' it said. Wang 'emphasized that China is ready to uphold the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and the vision of a shared future, and work with neighboring countries, including India, to build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home. China and India should remain confident, move in the same direction, avoid disruptions, expand cooperation, and consolidate the improvement momentum of bilateral relations, so that revitalization processes of the two great eastern civilizations can reinforce each other and achieve mutual success, providing the most needed certainty and stability for Asia and the world at large,' it said. According to an Indian official, China 'promised to address three key concerns of India. FM Wang Yi assured the External Affairs Minister that China is addressing India's needs of fertilisers, rare earths and tunnel boring machines.' The Chinese readout also said that 'Jaishankar said that under the joint guidance of leaders of both countries, India-China relations have moved from the bottom and are continuously improving and developing, with exchanges and cooperation between the two sides across various fields moving toward normalization. He expressed gratitude to China for facilitating Indian pilgrims' visits to the sacred mountains and lakes in China's Xizang. It is crucial for India and China to improve their strategic perceptions of each other. As the two largest developing countries, both India and China uphold multilateralism and are committed to promoting a fair and balanced multi-polar world. The two countries should also jointly maintain the stability of the world economy.' 'Stable, cooperative, and forward-looking India-China relations serve the interests of both countries. Taiwan is part of China. India is willing to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to deepen political mutual trust with China, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in economy, trade and other fields, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and jointly maintain peace and tranquility in border areas. India fully supports China in hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms,' it said, adding that both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common interest and concern.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
It's an opportunity to propagate ideals of Constitution: Reddy
Justice (retired) B Sudershan Reddy NEW DELHI: Opposition's candidate for vice president post, Justice B Sudershan Reddy, on Tuesday said he accepted INDIA bloc's candidature as an opportunity to propagate the ideals of the Constitution - equality, fraternity, liberty and dignity - which are very "dear to him for past 55 years". Shortly after opposition announced his candidature to contest against NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan, 79-year-old Justice Reddy spoke to TOI and said the ideals of the Constitution have been dear to him since Dec 1971 when he became a lawyer, and the bond with the book grew stronger as he became an HC judge, chief justice of an HC, and then a judge of SC. Asked why he accepted the candidature knowing that he stood no chance given that NDA has a majority in Parliament, Justice Reddy said, "What is wrong in accepting it? INDIA bloc represents 60% of the country's population and talks of ideals of the Constitution. As a lawyer, govt advocate, as a judge of HC and then CJ of an HC and SC judge, I had been doing the same." "No doubt, NDA has a majority. But in this election, no political party can issue a whip to its MPs. I will appeal to MPs across political parties to compare my credentials with that of the NDA candidate and vote according to their assessment as to who would be the better person to become VP," he said. When told that it will boil down to a political fight, he said, "I am aware of it. But canvassing for support and the contest would not reflect the sharp differences and bickering that is seen in the political arena between the governing dispensation and opposition." "What NDA group would do while seeking support for their candidate is not in my hands. But from my side it is going to be a decent and civilised discourse to seek votes," he said. He was quick to clarify that Radhakrishnan too is a dignified and decent person and that he expected no political "tu tu main mein" in the run up to the vicepresidential election.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Stalin calls INDIA bloc's VP candidate ‘jurist of integrity'
Chennai: Throwing his weight behind INDIA bloc's Vice-Presidential candidate B Sudershan Reddy, chief minister said the former Supreme Court judge was a jurist of integrity and champion of social justice and civil liberties. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "As someone who can create space for constructive debates in Parliament, conduct the House giving rightful place to the voice of the opposition, and as a democrat who has faith in the Constitution and in the principles of federalism, pluralism, social justice, and linguistic rights Sudershan Reddy stands," Stalin posted on social media on Tuesday. "I wholeheartedly congratulate B Sudershan Reddy. A jurist of integrity, independence, and a champion of civil liberties and social justice, he has upheld constitutional values throughout his career," he said. Stalin's congratulatory message came hours after Sudershan Reddy was announced as VP candidate of INDIA bloc, putting to rest speculation that a candidate may be fielded from TN to counter BJP's choice of C P Radhakrishnan from the southern state. "At a time when our institutions are under strain, his candidature strengthens our collective resolve to safeguard democracy and protect the spirit of the Constitution," Stalin added. Stalin alleged that all the independent institutions that were meant to safeguard Indian democracy have been turned into subsidiary bodies of BJP, and the Constitution itself was in danger. "In such a situation, the responsibility before us is to support one who believes in India's fundamental ideals of secularism, federalism, social justice, and unity in diversity," he said. He also alleged that Union govt was "continuously inflicting injustice on TN". Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "As the opposite of anti-federalism, authoritarianism, and the trend of spreading hatred Sudershan Reddy stands," he said. Stalin's statement is also seen as a response to BJP leaders who have been urging DMK to back CPR, as he was from TN. On Tuesday too, BJP leaders Tamilisai Soundararajan, Vanathi Srinivasan and H Raja urged DMK to support CPR. Stalin also held a meeting on the VP election, with leaders of DMK's alliance partners including VCK's Thol Thirumavalavan, MDMK's Vaiko, MNM's Kamal Haasan and the left leaders on Tuesday at his residence. Meanwhile, DMK's Parliamentary party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said on Tuesday that the party will not support the NDA candidate C P Radhakrishnan merely because he hails from TN. "We must look beyond it. It is a battle of two opposite ideologies. We are opposing a candidate who comes from the RSS background and supports the divisive politics of BJP. We can't confine this battle to any one state. All the opposition parties have united and took the decision based on consensus before announcing the candidate," Kanimozhi told reporters in New Delhi.