The recently concluded International Seminar On India’s Geopolitical & Logistical Outreach To Central Asia, conducted and hosted by The India Central Asia Foundation (ICAF), was a huge success as a major track two initiative. Bringing together Indian, Central Asian, and Afghan seminar participants in person, after a Covid induced hiatus of over two years.
The array of speakers and presenters was an across the board, broad representation, including government ministerial rank participants, senior diplomats, academics, policy and decision makers, senior high ranking ex-military officers, business people, and actual on the ground stake holders, working in the India-Central Asia space.
Coming in for high praise from distinguished observers & attendees, the consensus was that the seminar was of the highest level & caliber in content and reach. Both off-line and on-line participants, and attendees were genuinely impressed with the issues and topics raised and addressed, from people having served on the ground, and confronting day to day business challenges in conducting trade and logistics, not only in the India-Central Asia region, but also the extended South Asia neighborhood.
The uniqueness of the seminar was also high-lighted by veteran participants, ICAF put together Technical sessions, in raising awareness, showcasing contemporary geo-political on-the-ground situations/views. High lighting Logistical challenges/realities, facts and data, as opposed to limiting the discussions at an academic or diplomatic level.
At the conclusion of two days of intense exchange of ideas, viewpoints, several recommendations were forthcoming. Amongst numerous suggestions, a key take away was the need to establish joint working groups at the track two level on a bi-lateral & multi-lateral basis. An environment where think tanks can create a workspace for all the disparate stakeholders, to come together at the track two level. Fostering an environment and a platform, for interested parties to voice opinions and be heard.
The success of this seminar, unequivocally stresses, the need to hold more such events on a regular basis, for an area that is of renewed strategic focus and outreach for India, and the Central Asian States.
