Centre for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

MoU renewed between India Central Asia Foundation and the

Centre for Strategic Research, Tajikistan

Dushanbe, Tajikistan Oct 15, 2025: India central Asia Foundation, New Delhi renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Strategic Research (CSR) under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on October 13, 2025. Prof (Dr) Ramakant Dwivedi, Director, India Central Asia Foundation (ICAF) and Prof Usmonzoda K Usmon, Director, CSR signed the MoU on behalf of ICAF and CSR respectively. Amb Rajesh Uike, ambassador of India to Tajikistan, Mr Subhon Qurbonov, representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan and other dignitaries were present at the signing of the MoU. The MoU is aimed at promoting activities that contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and relations between India and Tajikistan. This includes holding joint seminars, conferences and other joint events on interstate regional and global issues of mutual interest, free exchange of publications/researches and official mutual analytical documents, implementation of joint projects and research in areas of mutual interest. Dissemination of research findings would be in the form of thematic/promotional conferences, seminars, Round Tables and other modes involving academics, technocrats, diplomats, defense analysts, entrepreneurs, administrators and other stake-holders in the policy-making process. The Institutions shall engage in enhancement of cultural, educational and people to people ties between India and Tajikistan.

From Left: Amb Rajesh Uike, ambassador of India to Tajikistan (2^nd ) Prof (Dr ) Ramakant Dwivedi (4^th) at the Round Table between ICAF & CSR, Dushanbe, Oct 13, 2025. RT was followed by signing of MoU between the two Institutions.

The India-Central Asia Foundation (ICAF) was formed in March 2005 as a registered Society in New Delhi. It is a Track II initiative to advance the common interest between India and the Central Asian States (CASs). ICAF has already established good contacts with prominent research/academic institutions and distinguished scholars in CAS.  In a world moving toward multi-polarity, Central Asia has become a strategic pivot, drawing global attention due to its location and resources. India is looking for refining its policy approach to build durable and credible partnerships that serve mutual economic and security interests while balancing influence from regional and extra-regional powers. As global power shifts redefine alliances, India needs to study the changes in global politics and enhance its engagement in Central Asia through a robust diplomatic, economic and strategic presence. With changing equations involving China, Russia, the West, and Islamic nations, India must position itself as a stable and dependable regional partner. Central Asia’s location as a transit and trade hub makes it crucial for India’s regional connectivity ambitions. However, poor infrastructure, regional rivalries, and limited access impede progress. The MoU aims to identify practical measures for improving physical and digital connectivity between India and Central Asia and New Delhi’s enhanced engagement with Central Asia. India’s foreign policy goals require stronger multilateral engagements. Partnering with Central Asian institutions and regional mechanisms can strengthen cooperative efforts on issues such as health, education, disaster resilience, counterterrorism and sustainable development. Both the Institutions will examine India’s potential to co-create frameworks for long-term regional development and cooperation.

Prof Usmonzoda Usmon emphasized to enhance interactions, engagements and collaboration between the ICAF and the CSR. Amb Rajesh Uike while speaking about the hard work put in by Prof Dwivedi in finalizing the MoU stated that the said MoU will go long way in enhancing cooperation between the two countries especially in strategic study. He underlined the need of geopolitical study and information technology (IT) in today’s world.

From Left: Prof Usmonzoda K Usmon, Director, CSR Prof (Dr ) Ramakant Dwivedi,  Dushanbe, Oct 13, 2025.