A recent bilateral meeting saw India’s Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences converse with the Minister for Energy and Water resources of the Republic of Tajikistan. The main focus points of their discussion included water resources research, particularly Glacier monitoring, Non-conventional Energy, Peaceful Use of Space Technology and Disaster Management. The primary objective was to bolster global water action and foster climate resistance based on the principle of sustainable development.
Revisiting India-Tajikistan Relations
India and Tajikistan have a long-standing relationship marked by numerous interactions and mutual support. Consultative mechanisms, such as the Foreign Office Consultations and the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, form the bedrock of this association. In 2020, Tajikistan extended its support for India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat in the United Nation Security Council for the term 2021-22, evidencing strong bilateral ties.
Aid Partnership and Development Assistance
India has played an instrumental role in the development of Tajikistan through various aid partnerships and development assistance programs. Notable among these is the setting up of an Information and Technology Centre (Bedil Centre) in 2006 with a grant of USD 0.6 million, which proved pivotal in training the first-generation IT experts in Tajikistan’s government sector. India also aided the construction of computer labs in 37 schools across Tajikistan.
Humanitarian Assistance from India
Scars left by natural disasters in Tajikistan have been soothed thanks to humanitarian assistance from India. The assistance provided by India in overcoming damage caused by floods in June 2009 and supplying 2 million doses of oral polio vaccine in November 2010, amid a Polio outbreak, speak volumes about India’s commitment to the welfare of Tajikistan.
Human Capacity Building and Economic Relations
The Indian embassy in Dushanbe has been instrumental in forging human capacity building since its establishment in 1994. As part of the India-Central Asia Dialogue Process in 2019, many Tajik diplomats received training at the Foreign Service Institute, Delhi. Apart from this, trade and economic relations have bolstered over time with pharmaceuticals, medical preparations, cane or beet sugar, tea, handicraft and machinery being the chief exports from India to Tajikistan.
Cultural Ties and People-to-People Relations
India and Tajikistan share a rich cultural heritage, marked by language, art and shared historical links. The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Dushanbe, offering courses in Kathak, Tabla, Sanskrit and Hindi, stands as a vibrant testament to this cultural exchange. In 2020, the ‘My Life My Yoga’ video blogging competition attracted participation from yoga enthusiasts in Tajikistan, further solidifying cultural ties.
India-Central Asia Relations: A Historical Overview
India’s relation with Central Asia dates back to the 3rd century B.C, with notable Buddhist influences visible in Central Asian cities like Merv, Khalachayan, Tirmiz and Bokhara. Central Asia’s richness in natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas, antimony, aluminium, gold, silver, coal and uranium holds significant potential for India’s energy requirements.
The India-Central Asia Dialogue: Aims and Developments
This dialogue involves ministerial-level interaction between India and Central Asian countries namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The primary focus is on enhancing connectivity and stabilising war-ravaged Afghanistan. The recent developments in India and Central Asia Relations involve India’s USD 1 billion Line of Credit for projects in Central Asia and connectivity endeavours with the use of the Chabahar Port.
India and Central Asia: Confronting Covid-19
The Central Asian nations have appreciated India’s support during the Covid-19 pandemic, including the supply of vaccines and essential medicines. In January 2022, the first India-Central Asia Summit took place virtually, hosted by Indian Prime Minister. This marked a significant milestone in fostering closer ties between India and Central Asia in these challenging times.