The second meeting of National Security Advisors (NSAs) of India and Central Asian countries was held in Kazakhstan. India was represented in this meeting by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

Purpose of the meeting:

The meeting of the National Security Advisors (NSAs) was held in the backdrop of several ongoing conflicts in the current world and the importance of dialogue to "settle differences and disputes" was mentioned in the discussion.
Addressing the meeting, Ajit Doval expressed concern over the current situation in Afghanistan and said humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people remains India's priority.

Barriers to India's connectivity with Central Asian countries:

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on 17 October 2023 expressed India's commitment to enhance cooperation with the Central Asian region on multiple fronts and argued that a "particular country" is responsible for denying connectivity between India and the region.
The lack of direct land access between Central Asia and India is an anomaly.
If India had direct contact with this region, India's relations with the Central Asian countries would have been much strengthened, not only in trade but also in strategic terms, the relations of these countries with India would have been even better.
Without mentioning Pakistan, Doval said connectivity and economic integration with Central Asia remains a "key priority" for India.

Discussion on the situation in Afghanistan:

Afghanistan was one of the key issues covered in the discussion and Doval highlighted the presence of the Afghan cricket team in India for the ICC World Cup matches.
Doval said that Amul, one of the biggest Indian brands, is the major sponsor of the Afghanistan national cricket team for the World Cup.
The situation in Afghanistan remains a cause of concern for all of us.
Our common immediate priorities include providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring the formation of a truly inclusive and representative government that fights terrorism and drug trafficking, and protecting the rights of women, children and minorities.
Doval announced that India will organize a seminar among leading scholars and ulema from India and Central Asia on "the history and context of Islam and its role in promoting peaceful co-existence and social harmony in today's complex world".

Kazakhstan:

Kazakhstan was formerly part of the Soviet Union, but became independent after its dissolution on 16 December 1991.
Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and the 9th largest country in the world.
Kazakhstan has the Baikonur Cosmodrome, which is the world's first spaceport. The Soviet Union used to launch its space rockets from here.
The first Indian astronaut Rakesh Sharma was launched into space from here on 3 April 1984 by a Soviet Soyuz T-11 rocket.
Capital: Astana
Currency: Tenge
President: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev