Introduction
A two member delegation from International Ataturk Alatoo University, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan visited the USI on 05 Feb, 2016 to participate in the Round Table Discussion along with the USI staff on ‘India-Kyrgyzstan Bilateral Cooperation: Present Status and Way Ahead’. Mr Evgeny Kablukov, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Kyrgyzstan, representatives from think tanks, HQIDS and Ministry of External Affairs were also present during the RTD.
Opening Remarks
Deputy Director (Research), USI in the opening remarks extended his heartiest welcome to the delegation from International Ataturk Alatoo University, Bishkek and representatives from other organizations. He gave a brief introduction of USI and explained its structure and broad range of activities carried by the institution.
From L-R: Maj Gen B K Sharma, Ambassador Reena Pandey and Prof Nirmala Joshi.
Presentation by Deputy Director (Research), USI
Maj Gen B K Sharma expressed his views on the topic ‘Developments in Afghanistan and its Implications on Regional Security’. He covered linkages between security situation in Afghanistan and Central Asia, economic and political challenges in the region, troubled Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, rise of Islamic State in Afghanistan, poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, fragmentation and leadership crisis in Taliban in his presentation.
Presentation by Senior Research Advisor, USI
Dr Nivedita Das Kundu presented her views on the topic ‘Role of Great Powers in Central Asia’. She said major powers in Central Asia are Russia, China and the US which shape the Central Asian geopolitics. Important stakeholders include Iran, Turkey and India. India has economic and security interests in Central Asia.
Presentation by Dr Ibrahim Koncak, International Ataturk Alatoo University
Dr Ibrahim spoke on the topic ‘Role of Great Powers in Central Asia’.He said that major powers in Central Asia include Russia, China, the US and India. He said Central Asia is not in the center of foreign policies of any major power but at the same time, it is too precious to be left aside. Central Asian leaders had learnt a lesson from earlier great game and do not lean towards a particular power now.
From L-R: Mr K P Sivanantharaj, Dr Nivedita Das Kundu, Dr Ibrahim Koncak and Evgeny Kablukov.
Presentation by Ambassador Reena Pandey
Ambassador Reena Pandey spoke on ‘An Appraisal of Indo-Kyrgyz Relations’. She said that India-Kyrgyzstan relations have been boosted after Indian PM Narendra Modi visited the country in July 2015. The two countries are focusing on anti-terrorism cooperation, agriculture, climate change and cultural relations. Both countries have been conducting joint military exercises in the past and next exercise will take place in March 2016.
Presentation by Mr K P Sivanantharaj, International Ataturk Alatoo University
Mr K P Sivanantharaj expressed his views on ‘An Appraisal of Indo-Kyrgyz Relations’. He said India should invest in gold mining in Kyrgyzstan. He also said that Kyrgyz students could be given an opportunity to study at India’s premier institutes like IITs and IIMs. He also said that India’s reverse innovation products like Tata Nano car should be sold in Kyrgyzstan.
Closing Remarks
Maj Gen Sharma, in his closing remarks said India has plenty of goodwill for the Central Asia. India-Kyrgyzstan engagement is gradually increasing. India aims for capacity development for Kyrgyzstan and will continue its support for nation-building efforts of the government.
MoU between USI and International Ataturk Alatoo University, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
The RTD was followed by signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between USI and International Ataturk Alatoo University. The MoU includes exchange of researchers, academic information, research papers, books, periodicals and joint seminars and conferences.
From L-R: Mr K P Sivanantharaj, Maj Gen B K Sharma, Dr Ibrahim Koncak and Dr Nivedita Das Kundu.
Report prepared by Raj Kumar Sharma, Research Associate, USI.