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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be hosting the first India-Central Asia Summit, with the participation of the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, in a virtual format on January 27. This will be the first engagement of its kind between India and the Central Asian countries at the level of leaders.</p>
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The announcement made today by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also effectively rules out attendance of&nbsp; Central Asian leaders in the Republic Day celebrations next week, as was being widely anticipated, due to the third COVID-19 wave .</p>
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The first India-Central Asia Summit is a reflection of India&#39;s growing engagement with the Central Asian countries, which are a part of India&#39;s &#39;Extended Neighbourhood&#39;. Prime Minister Modi paid a historic visit to all Central Asian countries in 2015. Subsequently, there have been exchanges at high-levels at bilateral and multilateral forums.</p>
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The MEA said that the inception of the India-Central Asia Dialogue at Foreign Ministers&#39; level, the 3rd meeting of which was held in New Delhi from 18-20 December 2021, has provided an impetus to India-Central Asia relations.</p>
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The participation of the Secretaries of National Security Councils of Central Asian countries in the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi on 10 November 2021 outlined a common regional approach on Afghanistan.</p>
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&quot;During the first India-Central Asia Summit, the Leaders are expected to discuss steps to take forward India-Central Asia relations to newer heights. They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of interest, especially the evolving regional security situation,&quot; said the MEA statement on Wednesday.</p>
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The Summit reflects the importance attached by the Leaders of India and the Central Asian countries to a comprehensive and enduring India-Central Asia partnership.</p>
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