"The holding of annual meetings of the India-Central Asia Dialogue is symbolic of the interest on the part of all member countries for greater engagement between them in a spirit of friendship, trust and mutual understanding," according to Ministry of External spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

 

"The foreign ministers of the Central Asian countries are expected to pay a joint courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said, adding that they will exchange views on regional and international issues of global interest.

 

The current situation in Afghanistan will be a major topic of discussion at the three-day India-Central Asia Dialogue.

 

The recent developments in Afghanistan after the Taliban's takeover have reinforced the importance of Central Asian countries with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan- that share borders with Afghanistan.

 

Earlier, the national security advisors of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan took part in India-hosted regional dialogue on Afghanistan in November.

 

The top leaders of these Central Asian countries are likely to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations next year as government has reached out to these five countries for the participation of their top leaders as chief guests.