Book Release
Address by Shri E Ahamed, Hon’ble Minister of State at the Release of the Book “India-Tajikistan Cooperation: Perspectives and Prospects”
17/01/2007
January 17, 2007 at 1800 hrs at Sapru House, ICWA, New Delhi
Amb Salohiddin Nasriddinov,
Dr K. Santhanam, President India Central Asia Foundation
Shri K. Raghunath, Vice President India Central Asia Foundation
Shri Yogesh Saxena,
Shri Talmiz Ahmed, DG, ICWA
Excellencies,
Distinguished Academicians,
Ladies and Gentlemen
It gives me great pleasure to be at this function to release the book “India-Tajikistan Cooperation: Perspectives and Prospects” which has been brought out by the India Central Asia Foundation. The book is a compilation of papers presented at the seminar on India-Tajikistan Relations organized by ICWA and ICAF during the visit of His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmonov, President of Tajikistan to India in August 2006. It is a matter of great satisfaction and honour that the President of Tajikistan made the inaugural address at the Seminar and has contributed to this book. This book will be an important addition to the literature on Tajikistan-India relations and a significant point of reference for all interested in India’s relations with Tajikistan and seeking information on Tajikistan. I hope initiative will be taken to translate the book into Tajik language as well. I vividly remember the visit of President Rahmonov to India in August last year. I was impressed by his vision for India-Tajikistan relations and the personal guidance provided by him in strengthening our relations.
2. India and Tajikistan have deep roots in history. Ties between our two countries pre-date the Silk Road by three thousand years. Tajikistan and other Central Asian republics have civilisational, historical, geopolitical and economic significance for India. Awareness of and sensitivity to contemporary events in Tajikistan and other Central Asian republics are of importance in promoting common interests.
3. For India, developments in Tajikistan are important, as it is part of our near neighbourhood. Tajikistan is less than half hour flying time from our northern borders and it is in our mutual interest to deepen our relations. Exciting new opportunities have emerged in the hydropower sector of Tajikistan which has the potential of transforming not only the Tajik economy but the region as well. We, in India, are hopeful that the initiative to export electricity from Central Asia to South Asia contributes towards transforming the lives of our peoples. Other areas of mutual cooperation include combating international terrorism and drug trafficking.
4. During my travel to Central Asian Republics, I have felt the warmth and closeness towards India and a desire for strengthening our bilateral interactions. In their perception, relations with India are welcome, as it is benign and free of tensions or disputes. I have also sensed their desire to learn from India’s developmental experience.
5. An integrated approach is desirable to enhance the level of economic ties between India and Tajikistan. I must mention without any hesitation that economic and commercial ties between India and Tajikistan are low despite the immense potential that exists. It is heartening to note that steps are being taken by both India and Tajikistan to expand and strengthen economic cooperation. The Tajik President’s visit to India in August last year has provided an impetus to our bilateral ties. Enhanced economic engagement of India with this region could play a positive role in economic reforms underway in Tajikistan.
6. India’s interests in Central Asia deserve to be effectively advanced by diversifying from cooperation in the field of education and culture to investment and enhanced business transactions. There is a need for increased interaction and exchange of information between entrepreneurs from India and Central Asia on the new opportunities and markets in the region.
7. I am confident that this book will be a step forward in this regard. I am happy to note that the book provides a perspective on such important areas such as India – Tajik Relations, Regional Economic Cooperation with a focus on India – Tajikistan, Drug Trafficking and Terrorism & Religious Extremism in Central Asia
Distinguished Friends,
8. I am sure the book will contribute towards a better understanding of India–Tajik relations. Thank you very much.
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