NEW DELHI — On October 5–7, New Delhi played host to the inaugural “Central Asia – India” Think Tank Forum. The landmark event was jointly organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan, the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA), and India’s premier analytical center, the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
The forum convened leadership and expert representatives from key regional think tanks, academic and research institutions across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and India, as well as heads of Central Asian diplomatic missions accredited in New Delhi.
As the first specialized platform of its kind, the forum established a direct dialogue mechanism between the academic and analytical communities of India and Central Asia.
During the working sessions, delegates discussed ways to elevate bilateral and regional engagement to higher, more structured levels. Key topics focused on deepening political dialogue, attracting investment, establishing joint production ventures, advancing technology transfers, and developing integrated regional value chains.
In addition, participants explored strategic cooperation across critical sectors, including: Critical Minerals and Energy; Digital and Technological Innovation; Connectivity and Infrastructure; Human Capital and Culture.
Special emphasize was placed on translating expert analysis and academic dialogue into practical, actionable outcomes.
Parallel to the main forum proceedings, the Uzbek delegation held a series of targeted bilateral meetings with leadership teams from India’s leading research institutes and policy centers, including: The Observer Research Foundation (ORF); The Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) under the National Security Council Secretariat; The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) under the Ministry of External Affairs of India; The Chintan Research Foundation (CRF).
These discussions addressed a broad spectrum of bilateral and multilateral priorities, encompassing regional security dynamics, strategic partnership, economic cooperation, technological collaboration, transport connectivity, and educational development.
As a practical outcome, IICA reached agreements with Indian counterparts to institutionalize and expand cooperation. Key initiatives will include joint research projects, co-authored publications, regular expert exchanges, and the periodic organization of joint conferences and roundtables.
The visit of the IICA delegation and the successful launch of the “Central Asia – India” Think Tank Forum demonstrated a strong mutual interest in deepening strategic collaboration between the scientific and analytical circles of Central Asia and India.
Positioned as a regular mechanism for expert consultation, the forum provided a comprehensive framework to support the implementation of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between Uzbekistan and India. Direct engagement among leading specialists creates a solid foundation for translating expert recommendations into practical policy initiatives.
