India & Central Asian countries call for enhanced interbank relations & trade in national currencies  –

 
 
India and Central Asian countries today underlined the importance of greater financial connectivity, including through digital payment systems. In the Joint Statement of 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, the nations called for enhanced interbank relations and trade in national currencies to encourage greater trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Recognising the important role of financial and banking linkages, the Sides also expressed interest in establishing a Joint Working Group to explore ways to further deepen banking and financial connectivity between India and Central Asian partners.
The meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was held in New Delhi this afternoon under the chairship of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in the meeting. The Ministers unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgham. They reaffirmed their firm commitment to fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They stressed that perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of terrorist acts must be held accountable and brought to justice. They called for early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. They stressed the need to strengthen UN-led global counter-terrorism cooperation and fully implement the relevant UNSC resolutions, Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and FATF standards.
The Ministers emphasized optimum usage of the International North-South Transport Corridor to enhance connectivity between India and the Central Asian countries. They stressed that connectivity initiatives should be based on the principles of transparency, broad participation, local priorities, and financial sustainability.