Malign actors from interconnected networks threaten our shared neighbourhood, NSA Doval says
Describing the absence of direct land access between Central Asia and India as "an anomaly", National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said that it is the result of "a conscious policy of denial by a particular country".

He was speaking at the Second Meeting of the India-Central Asia Secretaries/ National Security Advisers of the Security Councils hosted by Kazakhstan in Astana on October 17, 2023.

According to NSA Doval, the relations between India and the Central Asian countries including in the political, trade, economy, security and defence fields have transformed into multifaceted and mutually beneficial relations based on mutual trust, understanding and friendship. He, however, flagged lack of direct land connectivity as a matter of concern. 

"The absence of direct land access between Central Asia and India is an anomaly. This absence of direct connectivity is the result of a conscious policy of denial by a particular country. This situation is not only self-defeating for this country but it also reduces the collective well-being of the entire region," he said, without naming Pakistan.

He also made an oblique reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, saying it was important to ensure that connectivity initiatives are consultative, transparent and participatory. They should respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. They should also adhere to environmental parameters, ensure financial viability and not become debt burdens, he maintained. 

Continuing on the theme of connectivity, NSA Doval invited Central Asian nations to utilize the Chabahar port in Iran as well as its Shaheed Bahesti terminal operated by an Indian company for maritime trade. 

At the same time, he solicited support for including Chabahar port within the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) of which India is a member. Incidentally, both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan will be joining the INSTC soon. With this, all the five Central Asian countries will be a member of the INSTC.

NSA Doval also noted that Central Asia and India face common security challenges and threats. "Malign actors from interconnected networks threaten our shared neighbourhood", he stated.

'SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN A CAUSE OF CONCERN '

The situation in Afghanistan figured prominently in the discussions, with NSA Doval saying that it remained a cause of concern for everyone in the region.

According to him, the common immediate priorities include providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring formation of a truly inclusive and representative government combating terrorism and drug trafficking and preserving the rights of women, children and them minorities. India is deeply involved in the humanitarian assistance being provided to the Afghan people, he stated.
 
NSA Doval also used the opportunity to highlight ​India’s approach to encourage sports in Afghanistan, noting that the Afghan Cricket Team is in India to play in the ICC World Cup matches. Amul, an Indian company, is the principal sponsor of the Afghanistan national cricket team for the ICC World Cup, he remarked.

Terrorism, drug trafficking, and cyber security

NSA Doval reiterated that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations continues to constitute one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Any act of terrorism, regardless of its motivation or cause, is unjustifiable, he maintained.
 
​He described drug trafficking as a serious menace, pointing out that it is often leveraged by terrorist organisations and organised crime gangs. Emphasizing the need to coordinate closely to eradicate this menace, he offered a fully-funded capacity building programmes in a wide range of areas for representative of the Central Asian regions.

​During the meeting, NSA Doval proposed to set up an India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forums to explore possible partnerships in the domain of rare earth and strategic minerals. This will also facilitate the participation of Indian private companies in this region for investments and joint economic development, he pointed out. 

​The National Security Advisers/Secretaries of the National Security Councils of the Republic of India, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. Turkmenistan was represented by their Embassy in Astana.

The first India-Central Asia Meeting of National Security Advisers/Secretaries of Security Councils was held on December 6, 2022 in New Delhi. The meetings began after an agreement was reached during the first India-Central Asia Summit held on January 27, 2022 on holding regular meetings of Secretaries of the Security Council to discuss issues of regional security.