Tag: Central Asia

Modi talks with sukhvinder singh

We Can Maximise Use Of Chabahar Port After Iran’s SCO M’ship: Modi

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked at the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit that SCO members can work towards maximizing the utilization of the Chabahar Port following Iran’s membership of the SCO, the official press release by Prime Minister’s Office said.

“The International North-South Transport Corridor can serve as a secure and efficient route for landlocked countries in Central Asia to access the Indian Ocean. We should strive to realize its full potential,” as per the release.
He further mentioned the importance of better connectivity. “Strong connectivity is crucial for the progress of any region. Better connectivity not only enhances mutual trade but also fosters mutual trust. However, in these efforts, it is essential to uphold the basic principles of the SCO charter, particularly respecting the sovereignty and regional integrity of the Member States,” the release said.

Chabahar Port is a seaport in the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.It serves as Iran’s only oceanic port and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.

Its geographic proximity to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) gives it the potential to develop into one of the most important commercial hubs.

Chabahar Port Project is one of the focussed projects of India. India, in May 2016, signed an USD 85 million Chabahar Agreement to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor. The construction of the Chabahar Port and the construction of a rail line from Chabahar port to Zahedan are the major highlights of the project.

Through the Chabahar Port Project, the cargo would be brought to the Bandar Abbas port and Chabahar port and free Kabul from its dependence on Pakistan. The Chabahar Port will give India access to Afghanistan and beyond to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Europe via the 7,200-km-long multi-modal North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

One of the key projects of keen interest to India and Iran was linking Chabahar Port to the Zaranj-Delaram Highway in Afghanistan. The Zaranj-Delaram Highway in Afghanistan is a 215 km long highway that was already built through assistance provided by India.

Moreover, the Chabahar Port Project provides an option for an alternate supply route of goods, thus reducing the weightage of Pakistan, which was the only option available till some time back. (ANI)

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Kazakh Nationals Manifest

Kazakh Nationals Manifest Their Love For Indian Culture

By LokMarg

Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Astana has been organizing various activities to strengthen ties between the two countries through Indian culture and Traditions.

Central Asia is a region rich in history with a blend of identities and ethnicities, diversity of scenery, and culture. Amidst the shimmering mountains, highlands, lakes, ancient cities, and taller buildings, one thing that stands out for Kazakhstan nationals is the love for Indian Culture and traditions.

Established in the year 1994, the major objective of the cultural center is to facilitate cultural activities and academic cooperation that strengthen India’s age-old collaboration between India and Kazakhstan. Through its activities, the center intends to enhance the people-to-people connection between the two countries. India also provides scholarships in various disciplines under the ICCR Scholarship programs for students from Kazakhstan.

“Around 200 Kazakhstan nationals come and do activities here. We want to connect with the people here in Kazakhstan and make them aware of Indian culture and Traditions”, said the Director of the cultural center in Astana, Sanjay Vedi.

Kazakhstan nationals attend regular classes in Indian dance and music and practice yoga which has been an integral part of ancient Indian cultural heritage.

“I love singing Hindi songs and am very fond of Indian culture and tradition. I would want to learn more Hindi”, said one Kazakhstan national who practices Hindi singing in the center.

“I have an admiration towards Indian instruments like tabla and I like dancing to Indian classical songs”, said another Kazakhstan national.

The relationship between India and Kazakhstan is ancient and historical going back more than 2000 years. There has been a constant and regular flow of trade in goods and more importantly, the exchange of ideas and cultural influences.

The flow of Buddhism from India to Central Asia and Sufi ideas from Central Asia to India are two such examples.

The size of the Indian community is about 5,300 in Kazakhstan. India was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Kazakhstan with diplomatic relations established in February 1992. (ANI)

Read More:http://13.232.95.176/