India,China to hold dialogue on Central Asia on Aug 12-13

Enhanced bilateral engagements at the working level on regional and global issues was one of the key takeaway from Chinese Premier Li Keqiangs visit in May this year. Already,bilateral consultations on Afghanistan,West Asia,Africa and counter-terrorism have been held and those on Central Asia,maritime affairs,disarmament,non-proliferation and arms control were to be held later.

According to sources,while India has taken the initiative on focussing on the region with the Connect Central Asia policy spelt out last year,China has been deeply engaged with these former Soviet Union countries since it shares borders with many of them.

The elements of Indias Connect Central Asia Policy are in various stages of formulation and implementation,and Delhi is continuously engaged in efforts to further its level of trade and economic cooperation,currently well below potential.

To improve commercial relations,a major goal is enhancement of surface connectivity and access-route options. Delhi is seeking to re-energise the North-South Transport Corridor – through Iran – and bridge the gaps in rail-road connections. In fact Delhi is looking at alternate routes through the Chabahar Port in Iran,and other Trans-Afghan links.

During the two-day conversation with Chinese officials,MEAs joint secretary Eurasia Ajay Bisaria will be exchanging notes on enhancing connectivity,sources said.

Another priority area for India is energy cooperation where the Chinese have made deep in-roads. Central Asian countries possess energy resources in abundance and India has a big energy appetite. India will be looking at options whereby it could be a reliable market for Central Asian hydrocarbons and other resources.

In fact,New Delhi and China will be talking about the challenges of implementing the ambitious TAPI pipeline project,since Beijing has a lot of experience in such oil pipelines,official sources said. Sources said India will also look to discuss the prospect of its membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO,where China is a major player,besides Russia. India has already been contributing as Observer in the SCO.

The issue of common threats of terrorism and extremism and the need to counter these tendencies in a coordinated manner will also be high on agenda. The Chinese are worried about the rise of extremism in Xinjiang province,and Delhi will be keen to cooperate in the crucial area,sources said.