Doval noted that India and Central Asian nations faced similar challenges from “malign actors from interconnected networks,” in an apparent veiled dig at Pakistan.
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India has reportedly offered assistance to Central Asian nations to tackle terror, cyber security threats, and drug trafficking as part of a broad effort to bolster cooperation with the strategically located region.
India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, made the offer. Doval is visiting Kazakhstan to attend the second meeting of Indian and Central Asian security officials.
Doval noted that India and Central Asian nations faced similar challenges from “malign actors from interconnected networks,” in an apparent veiled dig at Pakistan. The Indian official also said that the meeting came amidst massive security challenges and that only dialogue and cooperation could help settle differences.
In a subtle reference to the Russia-Ukraine war as well as the war in Gaza, Doval said diplomacy must be at the centre of all conflict resolution initiatives.
The Hindustan Times reported that Doval offered fully funded capacity-building programs in various areas to combat terrorism and drug trafficking.
Economic integration
Doval also outlined India’s unique focus on enhancing economic ties with Central Asian states. He invited the heads of the cyber security agencies of the five Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—to India for a “strategic cyber experience.”
India has also expressed willingness to offer the five states its premium United Payment Interface (UPI) technology free of charge.
Doval also mentioned that the absence of direct land access between Central Asia and India is “an anomaly” resulting from a “conscious policy of denial by a particular country,” referring to Pakistan’s reluctance to offer India a land route to Afghanistan.
Cooperation at the INSTC
It must be noted that while India leads a campaign against Chinese BRI in the Central Asian region, it is simultaneously pushing for its International North-South Transport Corridor.
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan will soon join the INSTC, and all five Central Asian states will be part of this trade corridor.
