Tariq Saeedi This is the concluding part of the series. We would look at some more hypothetical scenarios and give an executive summary of this report. Table 15: Polymer Industry Value Chain Development at Gwadar StageProductsInvestmentEmploymentRevenue PotentialMarketStage 1: Primary PolymersPolyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) Polypropylene (homo, co-polymer)$5-7 … [Read more...]
TAPI: The idea, the ideology, and the way forward – Part Three
Tariq Saeedi In this part of the series, we will look at the scenarios of TAPI without the participation of India. TAPI Viability Without India: Comprehensive Justification Analysis Preamble: Regional Cooperation Preference We emphasize that Pakistan strongly supports India's continued participation in TAPI. India's involvement would: However, prudent strategic … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Received the Newly Appointed Ambassador of India
On 22 October 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, who presented his credentials to the Head of State. Congratulating the diplomat on his appointment to the high post, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished him success in his work aimed at … [Read more...]
New Indian Ambassador Presents Credentials, Discusses Bilateral Ties with Turkmenistan Foreign Minister
On 20 October 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, during which the Ambassador presented copies of his credentials to the Turkmen side. Minister Meredov congratulated Ambassador Wilsonbabu on his appointment to this important post and extended his best … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan hosted 3rd Central Asia-India Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils/National Security Advisers
On 16 October, in Bishkek, the third Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils/National Security Advisers in the Central Asia and India format was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Baktybek Bekbolotov. This multilateral format is a continuation of broad regional cooperation in the interests of peace … [Read more...]
EDB and India Exim Bank Analyze Trade and Investment Relations Between India and Central Asia
Mutual trade between India and Central Asian countries has grown from $500 million in 2010 to $1.7 billion, following an upward trajectory. This is highlighted in an analytical report titled “Exploring Trade and Investment Relations between India and Central Asia: Unlocking Economic Benefits.” The report was jointly prepared by the Eurasian Development Bank (EABR) and the … [Read more...]
India Appoints Bandaru Wilsonbabu as New Ambassador to Turkmenistan
The Ministry of External Affairs of India has announced the appointment of Bandaru Wilsonbabu as the next Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan. Currently serving as the Ambassador of India to Madagascar, he is expected to assume his new role shortly. Bandaru Wilsonbabu, a seasoned diplomat, joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2004. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in … [Read more...]
Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries met with the Prime Minister of India
On 6 June 2025, Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov participated in a meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of Central Asian countries with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that relations with the Central Asian countries have always been a key priority for India. Building upon the strong foundation … [Read more...]
The 4th meeting of the “Central Asia – India” Dialogue took place in New Delhi – Joint statement adopted
On 6 June 2025, the 4th meeting of the "Central Asia – India" Dialogue was held in New Delhi, with the participation of the foreign ministers of India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. During the meeting, the foreign ministers discussed promising areas of multilateral cooperation and issues aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of economic … [Read more...]
Central Asia-India Business Council Held in New Delhi
On 5 June 2025, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov participated in the Central Asia-India Business Council held in New Delhi. During the event, participants exchanged views on key partnership issues in transport and logistics connectivity, the digital economy, and investment opportunities for joint projects and programs in these areas between Central Asian … [Read more...]
Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and India discussed topical issues of bilateral collaboration
On 5 June 2025, a meeting took place in New Delhi between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, as well as … [Read more...]
India Hosts 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue to Strengthen Regional Ties
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, will host the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for the 4th meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue on June 6, 2025, in New Delhi. This follows the 3rd meeting, also held in New Delhi in December 2021, marking a continued commitment to deepening ties between India … [Read more...]
India-Turkmenistan Bilateral Brief
Overview India was among the first countries to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence in December 1991. Formal diplomatic relations were established in April 1992 with opening of resident Mission of India in Ashgabat in January 1994. Historical Background 2. India and Turkmenistan share historical and civilizational linkages, established by archaeological evidence that … [Read more...]
The first container train launched from India to Kazakhstan
As part of the expansion of international transport corridors, the first container train connecting India and Kazakhstan was launched, Uzbek Railways reports. The project is implemented with the support of three major transport and logistics operators in the region: Uztemiryulcontainer JSC (the official forwarder for railways of Uzbekistan), TULM JSC (the Transport and … [Read more...]
Ratan Tata, the Legendary Philanthropist
There are 26 companies in his group, employing more than a million people in some 80 countries. A company that was worth just $4 billion when he took over, is now worth $400 billion. His group of companies is global in every sense – more than 65% of the revenues come from sales and operations from outside India. Ratan Naval Tata (28 December 1937 – 9 October 2024) was an … [Read more...]
Nalanda: The Earliest-known University
Prof. Benoy K Behl, Art Historian, Filmmaker and Photographer At the ancient university of Nalanda, there was a spirit of vibrant intellectual thought, a climate of discussion and debate. The many 'acharyas', or learned professors, at Nalanda authored hundreds of works on philosophy, metaphysics, psychology, logic, medicine, astrology, arts, literature and other … [Read more...]
GIFT IFSC: Emerging as a preferred new age global financial centre
Dr Dipesh Shah The Governmnent of India implemented a major financial sector reform by establishing the country’s maiden International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in GIFT City, Gujarat. The IFSC has been developed as a unique international financial jurisdiction within onshore India, which has been designated as a non-resident zone under the Foreign Exchange Management … [Read more...]
Evolution of Indian Economy: 7 Major Highlights (1947-2024)
The Indian economy, one of the fastest-growing in the world, has undergone significant evolution since independence. The journey of the Indian economy from tatters to an economic powerhouse has not been easy. Year on year, citizens' and government's Relentless and consistent efforts have built today's India. As Dr. Manmohan Singh said, “The brightest jewel of the British crown” … [Read more...]
India-Uzbekistan Container Service Launched via Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan's Transport and Logistics Center (TULM) has successfully launched the first container train service between India and Uzbekistan. The inaugural train, carrying 20 TEU containers of ceramic tiles, departed from Iran's Bandar Abbas port and is currently en route to Chukursai railway station in Uzbekistan via Turkmenistan's Sarakhs. At Sarakhs, cargo is being … [Read more...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people attended the SCO summit in Astana
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit convened in Astana, Kazakhstan, on July 4, 2024. It comprised two key events: a meeting of the heads of the SCO member states and a meeting in the SCO plus format. The meeting of the SCO's supreme body, the Council of Heads of Member States, which was chaired by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was attended by … [Read more...]
India Eyes Opportunities at Turkmenbashi Seaport
On 11 June 2024, Batyr Annayev, Chairman of the Turkmen Agency of Maritime and River Transport ("Turkmendenizderiyayollary"), met with the Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, Ms.Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat. The meeting focused on potential collaboration in maritime transportation and the transit of goods through the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, says a press release … [Read more...]
Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and India increased to US $ 192 million
The volume of bilateral trade between India and Turkmenistan has steadily increased from US $ 60.64 million in 2020-2021 to US $ 192 million in 2022-2023. This was stated by the Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, Ms. Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat, in an interview with the Turkmenistan newspaper. Among the main goods imported from India are pharmaceuticals, electronic and … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan welcomes the newly appointed Ambassador of India
On Tuesday, 20 February 2024, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received credentials from newly appointed Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan Ms. Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat, TDH reports. Ambassador Bhagat conveyed greetings from the President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting India's commitment to strengthening multifaceted … [Read more...]
Ambassador of India presented copies of credentials at the MFA of Turkmenistan
On February 15, 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov received copies of credentials from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan Ms.Madhumita Bhagat. The Minister congratulated the Ambassador on her appointment and wished success in her diplomatic activities. During the meeting, the … [Read more...]
New Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan appointed
Ms. Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat has been appointed new Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, says Ministry of External Affairs of India in a press release. Until new appointment, she served High Commissioner of India in Cyprus. Dr. Vidhu P. Nair, presently Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Angola. Ms. Madhumita … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosted 2nd Meeting India-Central Asia National Security Advisers and Secretaries
On 17 October 2023, Astana, Kazakhstan hosted the Second Meeting of the India-Central Asia Secretaries / National Security Advisers of the Security Councils. National Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval, and National Security Advisers and Secretaries of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan attended the meeting. Turkmenistan was represented by the Embassy … [Read more...]
Tatarstan hosted Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan – Kazan Declaration adopted
nCa Report On 29 September 2023, the 5th meeting of the Moscow format of Consultations on Afghanistan was held in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan (Russian Federation). The meeting was attended by special representatives on Afghanistan, and senior officials from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, China, UAE, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
First meeting of India-Central Asia Working Group on Chabahar port adopted a joint statement
On 12-13 April 2023, the first meeting of the joint Working Group on Chabahar Port at the level of senior officials of Central Asia and India was held in Mumbai, India. The event was organized under the multilateral cooperation in the India+Central Asia format, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan said. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Foreign Ministers of … [Read more...]
India hosts first meeting on Chabahar Port development with Central Asia
The first meeting of the India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar is underway in Mumbai. The two-day meet, which began on Wednesday, was one of the key outcomes of the Delhi Declaration of the first India Central Asia summit held in January last year. The participants of the meeting include India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and … [Read more...]
Astana to host the Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum
Famous intellectuals from 25 countries of the world will be gathered by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS) in Astana at the Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum. On July 13 and 14, 2023, the Central Asian Forum on the theme “Asia in the Changing World: Agenda for the Future” will be held. It is … [Read more...]
Energizing Indian Bihu dances in Ashgabat graced this Saturday summer evening
Ravilya Kadyrova and Elvira Kadyrova Indian folk music and dance will hardly leave anyone indifferent. Even if you are not a skilled dancer, the Bihu folk dance's energising force will cause you to start clapping and stamping in time with the music of the drums, pipes, and flutes. The Bihu Dance Group, led by Ms. Gogoi Dreamly, took part in an international dance and … [Read more...]
Afghanistan is ready to start work on the TAPI gas pipeline project
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan said that the Islamic Emirate is fully ready to start practical work on the TAPI pipeline project, BaaghiTV reports. According to the spokesman of the ministry, Homayoun Afghan, legal and technical obstacles ahead of the implementation of the project have been removed. In addition, Deputy Minister of Economy of … [Read more...]
India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Afghanistan met in Delhi
India hosted the first India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Afghanistan on 7 March 2023. According to Ministry of External Affairs of India, the meeting was attended by the Special Envoys/Senior Officials of India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Therepresentatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and the … [Read more...]
India hosted online SCO summit – Iran became part of the Shanghai family – Kazakhstan assumes SCO chairmanship – The New Delhi Declaration emphasizes: Central Asia is the core of the SCO
nCa Report On Tuesday, 4 July, an online meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The meeting was attended by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, President of China Xi Jinping, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, President of Russia … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan at SCO Summit: President Tokayev urged to remain committed to the formation of a multipolar world with the coordinating role of the UN
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the beginning of his speech at online SCO Summit on 4 July 2023: "In the context of a radical transformation of the global world order, we are witnessing an unprecedented increase in geopolitical tensions, the intensification of trade and sanctions wars and many other modern challenges. It is becoming commonplace to … [Read more...]
Pakistan: SCO can play the role of beacon of peace
Speech of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan at virtual SCO Summit on 4 July 2023 [Paraphrased Excerpts] The SCO represents a promising future only if we seize the opportunity to achieve the shared goals for the region’s peace and prosperity. Pakistan calls for SCO’s joint action to counter economic recession, terrorism & climate change. The SCO leaders are … [Read more...]
PM Narendra Modi: India has created five pillars of cooperation in the SCO
Opening the online SCO summit on 4 July 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi summed up the results of his country's chairmanship and spoke about efforts to bring multifaceted cooperation in the SCO to new heights. Modi highlighted five new pillars of cooperation established by India within the SCO. These are Startups and Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Youth … [Read more...]
President of Tajikistan proposes to develop a Concept for the expansion of the SCO
During his speech at SCO Summit on 4 July 2023, the President Emomali Rahmon stressed the importance of further promoting cooperation within the SCO on the basis of coordinated actions and principles of mutual respect. The President of Tajikistan noted that the increasing attention of the world community to the SCO, embodying the unique interconnectedness of civilizations … [Read more...]
Russia is increasing trade and economic ties with the SCO countries
Russia intends to further deepen ties with members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and these ties are becoming stronger and more multifaceted, President Vladimir Putin said during his remarks at SCO Summit on 4 July 2023. Last year, Russia's trade with the SCO member states increased by more than a third – 37%, reaching a record high of US $263 billion. And in … [Read more...]
SCO Summit adopted New Delhi Declaration – Key Points
SCO confirms commitment to formation of a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world with a central coordinating role of the UN. The Member States reaffirm that the SCO is not directed against other states and international organizations and is open to broad cooperation with them. SCO pursues a policy that excludes bloc, ideological and confrontational … [Read more...]
SCO Summit: Kyrgyzstan is promoting the idea of establishing a Center for combating international crime in Bishkek
Addressing at online SCO Summit on 4 July 2023, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov noted the importance of the establishment of the SCO Center for Combating International Organized Crime in Bishkek. According to the Head of Kyrgyzstan, the implementation of this initiative will give a tangible impetus to increasing cooperation on issues related to ensuring regional … [Read more...]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at online SCO Summit on 4 July 2023
Dear Mr. Chairman, Dear Heads of State and Delegations, First of all, let me warmly welcome all participants, leaders and members of delegations. I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, for inviting me to this important meeting as an honorary guest. Dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich! Taking this opportunity, I cordially congratulate you … [Read more...]
Tehran and Muscat step up efforts to launch the Ashgabat Agreement corridor
Director General of the Iranian Foreign Ministry for Persian Gulf Affairs Alireza Enayati announced the upcoming launch of the Iran-Oman-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan corridor, Mehr News agency reports. In an interview with the IRNA news agency, the official spoke about the recent visit of Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said to Tehran, saying that serious discussions were … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan: President Mirziyoyev proposed to adopt the SCO Code of Good Neighborliness, Trust and Cross-Border Partnership
In his speech at online SCO Summit on 4 July 2023, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev assessed the cardinal changes taking place in the system of international relations – the intensification of geopolitical tensions and escalation of conflicts, the emergence of new risks and threats to global stability and sustainable development, the growing challenges in the field of … [Read more...]
India hosted Voice of Global South Summit called for human-focused development
nCa Commentary Prime Minister Modi of India hosted the first Voice of Global South Summit in online format on 12-13 January 2023. There were eight sub-events attached to the main event. The summit took place while India is the chair of G20, 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023. Setting the tone of the summit, PM Modi said countries need to respond to the priorities of … [Read more...]
XI Jinping: China stands for multilateralism and strengthening peace for the sake of universal security
During his remarks at SCO Summit on 4 July 2023, President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, focusing on the shocks that the modern world is experiencing, noted that humanity is facing unprecedented serious challenges. "What to choose, unity or split? Peace or conflict? Cooperation or confrontation? These issues have become relevant again in our time. My answer is … [Read more...]
A container train with newsprint paper went from Russia to India via Turkmenistan
A full-composite container train will deliver the paper products from Russia to India through the eastern branch of the international North-South corridor. A batch of one type of product was formed in this direction in 2022 for the first time, Russian Railways Logistics reports. 32 80-foot platforms owned by the container operator "Russian Railways Business Asset" were … [Read more...]
Russia says freight route via Turkmenistan to Iran and India is promising
Cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan in the development of the international transport corridor "North –South" is considered as an important step towards the full deepening of cooperation between the two countries. This topic was widely discussed during the 12th meeting of the joint Intergovernmental Russian-Turkmen Commission on Economic Cooperation, held in Moscow … [Read more...]
National Security Advisers – Secretaries of the Security Councils of India and Central Asian countries met in New Delhi
On 6 December, New Delhi hosted the first meeting of national security advisers - secretaries of the Security Councils of India and Central Asian countries. Turkmenistan was represented at the meeting by Ambassador Shalar Geldynazarov. The officials discussed topical regional and international security issues, as well as the situation in Afghanistan, its impact on security … [Read more...]
TAPI to become game changer in South East Asia
Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Project will become a game changer in South East Asia by bringing prosperity through 3.2 bcfd gas supplies to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Such an assessment is presented in the official documents of the Petroleum Division of Pakistan, available with ProPakistani news publisher. According to the source, the TAPI will … [Read more...]