KNews Desk– Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a four-day Central Asia tour on Saturday, August 29. During this journey he first Bilateral visit to Uzbekistan Will do and after this to be held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan 26th Summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Will take part. This tour is considered important for India from both strategic and economic point of view.
Before leaving, the Prime Minister said that India is an active and constructive member of SCO. He gave a message of cooperation towards working together against terrorism and making the region free from the curse of terrorism.
What issues will be discussed in Uzbekistan?
In the first phase of the tour, Prime Minister Modi will reach Tashkent, where he will meet the President of Uzbekistan. Shavkat Mirziyoyev Will be from. The two leaders will review the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and discuss new areas of cooperation.
on the agenda for talks trade, investment, energy, defence, digital connectivity, education, health, technology and critical minerals Areas like. Apart from this, the Prime Minister will also visit Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial and Mahatma Gandhi Center in Tashkent.
India's message against terrorism in SCO
The second major stop of the tour will be Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Here the Prime Minister will participate in the summit with the heads of state of the SCO member countries. Issues like regional security, terrorism, connectivity, economic cooperation and stability will be important in the conference. For India, cooperation against terrorism and radicalization is one of the most important issues of the SCO. The Prime Minister's message of creating a terrorism-free zone is important at a time when challenges such as terrorist networks, radicalization and instability in Afghanistan persist in Central Asia and surrounding regions.
of SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) It is the main mechanism for cooperation among member states against terrorism, separatism and extremism. India emphasizes on sharing intelligence, stopping terrorist funding and strengthening common strategy against radicalization through this platform.
India's role between China and Pakistan
Along with India, countries like China, Russia and Pakistan are also included in SCO. In such a situation, this platform gives India an opportunity to communicate with its major strategic partners and challenger countries on a single platform.
Amidst the border dispute with China and the challenge of terrorism linked to Pakistan, SCO is an important medium for India to put forward its security concerns on a multilateral platform. India has been continuously saying that it does not accept double standards on the issue of terrorism.
Relations with Russia will also be important
The SCO conference can also be important from the point of view of India-Russia relations. The possible meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be kept under watch. Energy, defence, trade and strategic cooperation between the two countries have long been important.
Along with taking forward its relations with Russia, India can also try to maintain dialogue with China and Central Asian countries on the platform of SCO.
Why is Central Asia important for India?
Central Asia is becoming increasingly important in India's foreign and security policy. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are important for India due to natural resources, energy, critical minerals and strategic geographical location.
India for a long time 'Connect Central Asia' It is trying to strengthen its relations with this region through policy. The current visit of the Prime Minister can give new impetus to this strategy at the political level.
Emphasis on connectivity and trade
India does not have direct land access to Central Asia. In such Chabahar Port And International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) Like alternative routes are important for India. Better transportation, logistics and digital connectivity could make it easier for Indian companies to access the Central Asian market.
There are possibilities in this area also in terms of trade and investment. Critical Minerals, Pharma, Healthcare, IT, Digital Technology, Energy and Education India can increase cooperation in areas like:
Important on security front too
The security of Central Asia is directly related to the situation in Afghanistan, terrorist networks, radicalism and regional instability. India can move towards strengthening defense and security cooperation with Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.
SCO also provides an opportunity to strengthen counter-terrorism exercises, intelligence cooperation and coordination between security agencies.
India's strategy amid China's increasing influence
China's economic and strategic influence has increased in Central Asia. In such a situation, it is important for India to strengthen its independent and reliable partnership in this region.
India also emphasizes on education, health, digital technology, capacity building and civilizational ties along with trade and development. Prime Minister's visit to India in Central Asia Soft power and strategic presence Can give an opportunity to strengthen both.
What can India benefit from?
The visit may provide an opportunity for India to strengthen regional support against terrorism, expand strategic reach in Central Asia and explore new avenues of cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sector. Apart from this, there are also possibilities for Indian companies to open new markets, better connectivity options and increase communication with major partners including Russia.
big message of the tour
This tour of Prime Minister Modi is not limited to just visiting two countries and participation in the SCO conference. India's behind this 'Strategic Autonomy' And 'Connect Central Asia' A comprehensive strategy is visible. On one hand, India is strengthening relations with western countries, while on the other hand, Russia is also playing an active role in forums like Central Asia and SCO.
The importance of Central Asia has increased further amid rapid changes in global politics, increasing influence of China, terrorism and regional instability. In such a situation, this visit of Prime Minister Modi is for India. Security, Energy, Trade, Connectivity and Strategic Impact Has brought important opportunities in this regard.