In a move highlighting India’s strategic priorities in Central Asia, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George touched down in Ashgabat on January 21 for dual high-stakes engagements: the 5th round of Foreign Office Consultations with Turkmenistan and the SPECA Economic Forum.
His itinerary featured a pivotal discussion with Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, where he relayed EAM S. Jaishankar’s sincere felicitations. The dialogue zeroed in on amplifying mutual gains through a robust partnership framework.
George then convened with Deputy FM Myahri Byashimova to assess progress across bilateral pillars—politics, security, defense, commerce, culture, academia, and people-to-people links. Multilateral synergies at the UN and other platforms were also on the agenda, alongside perspectives on global challenges.
Shining as India’s voice at the SPECA gathering led by Finance Minister Mämmetguly Astanaguylov, George presented a forward-looking blueprint. It emphasized surging trade, investment flows, economic integration, and seamless connectivity to bind India closer to Central Asian economies.
Perfectly in tune with the ‘Extended Neighbourhood’ doctrine, this outreach reinforces India’s enduring camaraderie with Turkmenistan. Amid evolving geopolitics, it positions both nations for collaborative advancements in energy, infrastructure, and beyond.