A 100-member youth delegation from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan visited India on March 21-28, 2025, as part of the country's initiative to strengthen ties with Central Asian countries. This was the third such visit by a youth delegation to India.
The delegation's focus state was Goa, where they met with high-ranking officials, including the Honorable Governor, Chief Minister, and State Ministers. They also visited the Goa Chamber of Commerce and the Institute of Management. Additionally, they interacted with the Director at IIT Delhi and paid a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal.
During their meeting with the Honorable External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri. Kirti Vardhan Singh, the delegation was encouraged to play an active role in further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Central Asia. They also met with the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, sharing their experiences.
The visit provided a unique opportunity for the youth delegation to gain insights into India's growth in education, technological prowess, research capabilities, infrastructure development, and rich history and cultural heritage. This initiative is part of India's efforts to strengthen its millennia-old people-to-people bonds and cultural exchanges with Central Asian countries.
India and Central Asia share deep-rooted historical relations marked by continuous exchange of peoples and ideas. The India-Central Asia Youth exchange initiative aims to further foster these ties, reflecting the country's commitment to multifaceted contemporary partnerships with Central Asian nations.