Modi proposes minus Afghanistan formula for reaching Tajikistan
Dushanbe, Tajikistan: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has minus Afghanistan and Pakistan for reaching Tajikistan by suggesting Indo-Tajik future connectivity through Iran and other Central Asia states.
Meanwhile, Tajik President proposed India to join Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan Trilateral Transit Trade Agreement (PATTTTA) to facilitate trade between India and Tajikistan. However, both sides in joint statement added that the possibility of using Pakistan, Afghanistan route to reach Tajikistan would be discussed at latter stage between the both countries. It may be mentioned that Indian Prime Minister Modi also promoted minus Afghanistan formula for land connectivity with Central Asian states during his meeting with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov on July 13 before he came to Dushanbe. he proposed Turkmenistan to become part of International North South Transport Corridor.
Another reason of promoting minus Afghanistan for connecting with Central Asia is indirect campaign to undermine Pakistan-China economic corridor that will have linking roads with Central Asian states via Afghanistan and making Pakistani port of Gwadar as hub of economic activities. Gwadar Port in Pakistan is operated by Chinese authorities.
India is rapidly losing hopes for a normal future of Kabul due to grave law and order situation in Afghanistan. It may be mentioned that India has withdrawn from a number of International contracts with Kabul during last two months and stopped any further investment in Afghanistan.
During his meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon here on Monday, Modi said:
“We will improve our (Indian – Tajik) surface connectivity, as well as our digital and air connectivity. We will reach you through Iran and other Central Asian countries. India and Tajikistan can connect directly in future thereafter”.
In a press statement issued by India Foreign Office after talks of Modi with President Rahmon at the Qasr-e-Millat, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India and Tajikistan had resolved to intensify cooperation in combating terrorism as well as in the spheres of defence and connectivity.
“Tajikistan is nearest to India among all Central Asian countries. We are separated by a narrow corridor. Our linguistic links are the closest in Central Asia”, said Modi.
While avoiding naming Afghanistan as major source of terrorism, Modi said both nations are “located in the proximity of the main source of terrorism. Combating terrorism and extremism has always been an important and productive area of cooperation. At a time of growing threat of terrorism, we have resolved to intensify our cooperation further.”
He said both have agreed to strengthen defence cooperation, “it is a strong pillar of our strategic partnership”.
Modi said both sides have discussed measures to tap the rich potential in trade and commerce and encourage joint ventures and investments. Both have tasked the Joint Commission to meet soon and finalise a concrete roadmap to expand trade and economic ties.
On connectivity, Modi said that it is vital for realising the full potential of trade and commerce between the two countries.
Both have agreed to promote the International North South Transport Corridor that seeks to connect Mumbai with St. Petersburg.
Modi said he hoped both nations could establish a direct link to promote prosperity across the region.
A joint statement was issued after a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. Statement said:
The two leaders discussed “ways and means to explore possibilities of developing an alternate surface route in cooperation with other countries of the region”.
Tajikistan reiterated its support to the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which is a ship, rail, and road route for moving freight between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.
The route primarily involves moving freight from India, Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia via ship, rail and road.
The two leaders also recognised that the proposed Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan Trilateral Transit Trade Agreement (PATTTTA) would facilitate trade between Tajikistan and the countries of the South Asian region. They decided that further consultation would be held on the inclusion of India to this arrangement.
Modi arrived here on Sunday evening after concluding his eight-day Central Asia tour. He left for New Delhi at evening.
