Yesterday, the talks between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of India Ram Nath Kovind who has arrived in our country the day before for a state visit, has taken place at the capital.
The present high level talks are called to be the next step on the path of strengthening of traditionally friendly constructive Turkmen-Indian relations, which in the modern epoch based on the mutually goodwill of the sides, obtain a new replenishment. In this connection, it is noteworthy that this is the first visit of the President of India to Turkmenistan in history.
In the morning, the high guest from the hotel «Ýyldyz» designated for him under the motorcycle escort of honour, and then the mounted escort of honour headed towards the Oguzhan presidential complex. Here at the central entrance, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov warmly welcomed his Indian colleague.
Having exchanged friendly greetings, heads of states pass into the Palace and familiarize themselves with members of official delegations of Turkmenistan and India.
Upon completion of the ceremony of photographing against the background of flags of two countries, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invites President Ram Nath Kovind into the hall «Rowaç», where the bilateral high-level talks took place.
Warmly greeting the high guest and noting that this visit of his to our country is considered as an important phase in development of the traditionally Turkmen-Indian dialogue, the head of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the high-level meetings and talks, which are held in Ashgabat, will serve an impulse to strengthen friendship of two peoples and intensify partnership in the broadest range of areas.
As known, in the current year a significant date, the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of India is marked. On April 20, 1992, a new millstone was laid in the thousands-years- old history of the Turkmen-Indian relations. And this jubilee in the life of both countries is a good reason for comprehension of interstate cooperation and its enrichment with new substantial features in the spirit of modern global progress.
The current year 2022 is also significant that India marks the 75th anniversary of its independence. Having congratulated the President of the Republic of India and all people of the friendly country with this event, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his best wishes in this connection.
Having thanked the head of Türkmenistan for his warm welcome and hospitality, President Ram Nath Kovind underlined that he is very glad for the opportunity to pay a state visit to our country. Having congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov sincerely with his convincing victory at the recent presidential elections, the high guest marked that it serves a visual evidence of the great trust of the Turkmen people in the newly elected head of the state.
President Ram Nath Kovind also congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov with the 30th anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan that was marked in the past year and noted that the current year the Republic of India will mark the 75th anniversary of its independence. At the same time, the high guest stated with pride that his first state visit to Turkmenistan coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries.
As President Ram Nath Kovind said, India attaches a great significance for partnership relations with Central Asian countries. At the Summit «Central Asia –India» which was held in the current year development of interstate cooperation was outlined as a key goal and interaction in the given format will continue.
Having pointed out that for the years of independence Türkmenistan has reached great achievements, the President of the Republic of India made an emphasis on importance of establishment of direct contacts between business circles of the two countries. At that, India is ready for active exchange of experience in the field of digital and latest technologies.
Having expressed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov his sincere acknowledgment for the high organizational level of the present meeting, President Ram Nath Kovind confirmed adherence of India to further development of fruitful relations with Turkmenistan, expressing confidence that the agreements reached in the talks will bring long-term cooperation to qualitatively new heights.
In the meeting held in the business like constrictive atmosphere, the sides discussed a wide range of issues of Turkmen-Indian cooperation where an important place is taken by the trade and economic sphere. Here are good prospects for development of relations in sectors of energy, industry, transport, high technology, agriculture, trade and others. Simultaneously our countries are participants of large international projects such as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, transport corridors of Central Asia –Near East and «South –North».
They expressed confidence that joint efforts made in realization of existing potentials and opportunities will enable them to bring bilateral trade and economic cooperation to a qualitatively new level and significantly increase in the bilateral goods turnover, diversify its structure and content.
Humanitarian links are one of the inseparable part of Turkmen –Indian relations. Commonality of history, rich unique culture, customs and traditions of two peoples, which are mostly similar, make up a firm basis for development of cooperation in the scientific, education, healthcare and sports spheres.
The sides also exchanged views of a number of topical issues of regional and global agenda, which display mutual interest.
Further, the talks continued with full participation of the delegations, members of official delegations of the two countries.
Once again warmly greeting President Ram Nath Kovind and thanking the high guest for the accepting the invitation to visit our country, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that this is his first meeting with the head of India that attaches a special meaning to the talks of today. The head of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the results of the current meeting will serve further strengthening of cooperation between two friendly countries and peoples and give a great impulse for interstate cooperation in all spheres.
The historical roots of Turkmen-Indian relations go back to the depth of antiquity. Firm civilized links and closeness of basic spiritual values unite two peoples. Names of such illustrious men as Bayram Khan, Abdur Rahim Khan and heritage of Indian culture in Turkmenistan are written with golden letters in the annals of our age-old relations. Today, this beneficial heritage is enriched with the new content.
The current year is significant for both Turkmenistan and India. 30 years ago, the diplomatic relations between the two countries were established and a new stage in development of age-old links between our peoples started.
The Republic of India was the first among world countries to recognize independence of Turkmenistan and several years later to support its neutrality actively, first in the Non-Aligned Movement and then in the United Nations. Turkmenistan always feels strive and readiness of India and its leadership for cooperation and respect for the model of internal devotement and foreign policy chosen by our country. Turkmenistan appreciates it highly and will always be sincerely grateful to the India side.
In its turn, our country with respect treats the constructive foreign policy of India which differs with a great positive role, which it plays in Asia and the world, in the global processes. At that, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted resultativeness of Turkmen-India partnership in the regional context, its fretfulness within the margins of international institutions, first of all, in the UN.
Turkmenistan is grateful to the Indian side for support of its international initiatives approved by the UN General Assembly, in particular, for co-authorship in resolutions accepted in energy and transport spheres, proposals and steps made in promotion of neutrality.
I is obvious that in the current uneasy world realities, the role of the Non-Aligned Movement grows impartially and the Turkmen side is ready for close cooperation with India in advocacy and assertion of its principles the basis of which is made up of peace loving, equity, justice and humanism.
In this connection, the head of Turkmenistan described in brief five strategic areas of the foreign policy, which our country will adhere in the upcoming decades.
The first of them is to ensure peace and security. Our goal is to create a sustainable, indivisible and permanent system of security and stability in Central Asia and neighbouring areas in the near future.
The second area is development and promotion of neutrality on the world arena.
The third area is steady development and diversification of foreign economic relations.
The fourth area – all-round support of sustainable development.
The fifth area – facilitation of humanization of international relations, introduction of high moral standards, morals and justice in it.
The world outlook platform of our country on the world arena is the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan «Dialogue –a guarantee of peace», announced at the end of the past year, as it becomes obvious, and today obtains truly a global significance.
As for the situation in Afghanistan, then here Turkmenistan formulates its position based on unity of political, economic, and humanitarian aspects of support and aid to the neighbouring country.
In the economic aspect, it envisages active involvement of Afghanistan in the regional and international infrastructure projects, integration of the country in the modern world economic processes.
In the humanitarian aspect, Turkmenistan stands for necessity of purpose-oriented international aid to the Afghan people and support in reconstruction and development of social sphere.
In this regard, our country highly appreciates efforts of India in the given area, including the success of the « Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan » held on November 10-11, 2021 and the Deli Declaration adopted on its results, which serve a good platform on the path of achievement of region wide consensus on the Afghan agenda.
As the head of the state noted further, Turkmenistan sees transport and energy sectors as strategic areas of Turkmen-Indian economic cooperation.
In the transport sphere, it concerns first of all, creation of Eurasian corridors to marine terminals on the Indian ocean.
Turkmenistan as the country, by the territory of which the only shortest path to the Persian Gulf, ports of Iran and from there to India is ensured, attaches a priority significance to this area. In this context, it is proposed to hold direct talks on cooperation between ports of Chabahar and Turkmenbashi.
The most significant attention is also given to the project of transport corridor of Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar.
The Turkmen side is sure of necessity of intensification of joint efforts in construction and completion of the project of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline in accordance with designated terms. Here our country relies upon principled and active position of India, its readiness to make its weighty contribution to synchronization and efficiency of work of all participants of TAPI.
Among topical vectors of cooperation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also mentioned establishment of cooperation between specialized national institutions of two countries, including those in the spheres of finance, renewable energy, information, digital and other advanced technologies.
Turkmenistan highly appreciates cooperation with India in the sphere of education, in particular, on the margins of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and scholarships offered by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in development of potential and progress of human resources.
Along with it, there are clear prospects in the sphere of healthcare that is especially important today amidst the coronavirus pandemic, which affected the whole world.
In the context of interregional partnership, the head of the state underlined a great significance and prospect of the first online Summit «Central Asia –India» held on January 27 of the current year and agreements reached upon its results.
One of the important areas of bilateral relations is cultural and humanitarian cooperation, in particular, in the sphere of education.
It is also considered expedient to resume on a regular basis organization of Days of cultures, joint conferences and symposiums in both countries, creation of conditions for direct contacts between leading educational and research centres of the two countries.
It also seems advisable to resume cross-cultural Days on a regular basis, organize joint conferences and symposiums, and create conditions for direct contacts between the leading educational and scientific centers of the two states.
As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov underlined, Turkmenistan sees India as a sincere friend and reliable partner, a brotherly country, like-minded in solving many topical issues of the modern regional and global agenda.
Expressing gratitude to his Indian counterpart and the members of the delegation accompanying him for the constructive attitude, interest and willingness to cooperate on all issues, the head of Turkmenistan conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the great people of India.
The floor is given to the President of the Republic of India.
Noting that he is very happy to be in the capital of Turkmenistan – white marble Ashgabat, the distinguished guest again cordially thanked President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the warm welcome.
Congratulating the head of Turkmenistan once again on his nationwide election to the highest state post, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind wished success in his important and responsible activities.
Noting that under the wise leadership of His Excellency Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, our country has achieved rapid economic growth, the President of India expressed confidence that under the visionary leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, new high milestones will also be achieved.
In continuation of the topic, one of the recent events of regional significance, the distinguished guest identified the creation of a new mechanism – the India-Central Asia Summit. At the first Summit in this format, held via the digital system, fundamental issues were considered. In accordance with the decisions taken, the Summit will be held every two years. It will also include negotiations at the ministerial level and official meetings.
Noting that with the transition of Turkmenistan to a bicameral parliamentary system, our inter-parliamentary ties have become even more active, President Ram Nath Kovind highlighted India’s readiness to share its accumulated experience in this area with Turkmen colleagues.
The distinguished guest also focused on addressing priority issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic that modern humanity is facing, speaking about the need for effective international cooperation in this direction, which is of particular importance for ensuring sustainable development in the region.
Emphasizing the huge potential for increasing the volume of bilateral trade, the President of India spoke about the need to intensify contacts between representatives of the business circles of both countries. In this regard, it is important to create new mechanisms for establishing active cooperation, including inter-sectoral.
It was also noted the importance of studying the possibilities of exchanging products related to the medical industry and exporting goods produced by Turkmen entrepreneurs to India.
Underlining that Turkmenistan, which has the richest reserves of energy resources, consistently develops its oil and gas fields and develops the petrochemical industry through diversification, President Ram Nath Kovind also noted that India is the fourth state in the world in refining oil and chemicals. Indian companies are ready to share their experience in the use of technical and technological capabilities in the production of petroleum products with Turkmen partners.
Speaking about the prospects of cooperation in the field of transport, the formation of transit corridors, the President of India noted the importance of seaports in the development of trade and economic relations between India and the states of Central Asia. In this context, their involvement could be a continuation of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran transport corridor.
Emphasizing that the Turkmen-Indian cultural ties go back centuries, President Ram Nath Kovind stated that today there are huge opportunities for the intensification of bilateral cultural exchanges.
In the light of modern realities, an important vector of cooperation is the combination of efforts in solving issues related to ecology and climate change, as well as ensuring sustainable development.
Touching upon the Afghan theme and noting that India held a Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in November 2021 in New Delhi, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind focused on the need to consolidate joint efforts in this direction.
The President of India also highlighted the importance of implementing the TAPI gas pipeline project, which is of great importance for the entire region, speaking in favor of intensifying the interaction of the participating states in discussing and developing solutions to relevant issues.
President Ram Nath Kovind invited the head of the Turkmen state to pay a state visit to the Republic of India at a convenient time for him. This invitation was gratefully accepted. The dates of the visit will be agreed through diplomatic channels.
Thanking President Serdar Berdimuhamedov again for his hospitality and assistance in the progressive development of bilateral relations, the distinguished guest wished the head of Turkmenistan good health and success, and happiness and prosperity to the friendly Turkmen people.
At the end of the negotiations in an expanded format, the signing ceremony of bilateral documents took place.
In the presence of the heads of state, there are signed: Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of emergency management between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of India; Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of youth between the Ministry of Sports and Youth Policy of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of India; Program of cooperation in the field of culture and art for 2022-2025 between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of India.
The parties also exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the exchange of financial information related to the legalization of proceeds from crime and the financing of terrorism between the Financial Monitoring Service under the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Republic of India.
A Joint Turkmen-Indian statement was also adopted.
At the end of the signing ceremony, the heads of the two states addressed the representatives of the mass media.
Announcing the results of the summit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, first of all, expressed sincere gratitude to the President of India and all members of his delegation for the constructive negotiations that took place in the atmosphere of openness and mutual understanding traditionally inherent in bilateral relations.
During the talks, it was emphasized that the deepening of cooperation between the two countries meets mutual interests and is aimed at further rapprochement and mutual understanding of our peoples for the long term. At the same time, it was emphasized that the Turkmen-Indian relations, which have a centuries-old history, are now built on a solid foundation of equality, mutual respect and trust.
The talks that took place, the head of Turkmenistan continued, demonstrated the existence of mutual understanding, similarity of principles and approaches to the main issues of international politics. The mutual desire of the parties to contribute to strengthening peace and stability, establishing a climate of trust and mutual understanding in Central Asia and, in general, on the Asian continent was confirmed.
In this regard, special attention was paid to strengthening regional and global security, preventing conflict situations, creating strong political and legal conditions for the progressive development of relations between states on the basis of recognized international legal norms and the Charter of the United Nations.
Turkmenistan and India are firm supporters of building a fair and balanced system of international relations based on taking into account the interests of all states, strengthening the role of developing countries in global politics. The talks that took place today confirmed our mutual commitment to these goals, the affirmation in interstate relations of the principles of equality, justice, respect for sovereignty and the rights of peoples to an independent path of development.
Turkmenistan and India firmly stand for the solution of all contradictions and conflict situations by peaceful political means, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov underlined. In this context, a high assessment was given to the level and nature of cooperation between the two countries on the world stage.
An agreement was reached to continue the practice of mutual support in international organizations, primarily in the UN. Turkmenistan and India will also consistently increase cooperation in the Non-Aligned Movement, the goals and principles of which are especially in demand today against the background of those complex processes and trends that are observed in a number of regions of the world.
At the same time, the parties agreed to further consolidate efforts to counter new challenges and threats to international security, including in the fight against terrorism, extremism, transnational crime and illicit drug trafficking.
As the head of Turkmenistan further noted, much attention was paid to the situation in Afghanistan during the negotiations. Both the Turkmen and Indian peoples want to see this country peaceful and prosperous, a good neighbor and partner of all states in the region. In this context, the Turkmen side highly appreciated India’s efforts in the Afghan direction, including the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan successfully held on November 10-11, 2021 and the Delhi Declaration adopted on its results.
During the discussion of energy cooperation issues, special attention was paid to the implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project. It was confirmed that in addition to economic expediency for all its participants, the construction of TAPI is designed to make a great contribution to strengthening stability in the region, mutual understanding and trust between the participating countries, to promote economic and political rapprochement between them. On behalf of Turkmenistan, the Indian side expressed deep gratitude for the continued support of the project and constructive position at all stages of its implementation.
The strategic direction of bilateral cooperation is transport. The parties agreed on mutual assistance in the formation of sustainable Eurasian corridors to Indian sea terminals through the territory of Turkmenistan, particularly using the existing infrastructure in our country on the Caspian Sea. As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted, in this context, they were invited to organize direct negotiations between the ports of Chabahar and Turkmenbashi on cooperation.
During the talks, the sides emphasized an importance and prospects of the First Summit of Central Asia and India held on January 27 this year via videoconference and the agreements reached as a milestone event on the way to creating a full-scale and long-term format of cooperation between the two subcontinents.
The cultural and humanitarian sphere took its due place in the negotiations. Our peoples are united by centuries-old historical ties, traditions of deep mutual respect, proximity of basic spiritual values and foundations. This great and beneficial heritage is being enriched with new content today, humanitarian exchange is actively developing, the head of Turkmenistan noted with satisfaction.
The parties agreed to continue strengthening ties in the field of culture, including by organizing joint events to familiarize the two peoples with the rich historical and cultural heritage of Turkmenistan and India, modern achievements in this field.
An agreement was also reached on expanding cooperation in educational and scientific fields, in particular, between higher educational institutions of both countries, as well as through Academies of Sciences.
During the talks, the importance of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and India, which marked the beginning of a new stage in the centuries-old history of bilateral ties, was emphasized. As you know, India was one of the first countries in the world to recognize the independence of Turkmenistan, actively supported its neutrality, first in the Non-Aligned Movement, and then in the United Nations.
As President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said, along with gratitude for this support, he would like to note that the philosophy of nonviolence and peaceful coexistence of the spiritual leader of the Indian nation – Mahatma Gandhi, whose monument was unveiled in Ashgabat in 2015, was one of the ideological and moral origins of Turkmen neutrality.
Highly appreciating the results of the Indian President’s visit to Turkmenistan, the head of state expressed his conviction that the agreements reached during it will give a powerful impetus to further deepening of bilateral relations, realization of the great potential of cooperation in trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian, scientific and other spheres.
As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, along with gratitude for this support, he would like to highlight that the philosophy of non-violence and peaceful coexistence of spiritual leader of the Indian nation Mahatma Gandhi, whose monument was opened in Ashgabat in 2015, was one of the ideological and moral sources of Turkmen neutrality.
Highly appreciating the outcomes of the visit of the Indian President to Turkmenistan, the head of state expressed confidence that the agreements reached as part of it would give a powerful impetus to the further deepening of bilateral relations, and to the fulfillment of the great potential for cooperation in trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian, scientific and other fields.
In conclusion, expressing sincere gratitude to the high guest and all members of his delegation for the constructive work, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took the opportunity to convey the wishes of peace, wellbeing and prosperity to the friendly people of India.
Commenting on the top-level meeting outcomes, President Ram Nath Kovind emphasized that this is the first visit of the head of Indian state to our country, as well as the first such high level delegation that the new young leader of Turkmenistan is receiving. In this regard, the high guest expressed gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, which demonstrates the fruitfulness of the friendship between the two great nations.
Among other significant events, the President of India highlighted the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, stressing with satisfaction that there are good grounds for stating the positive dynamics of bilateral cooperation over the past period, in particular over the past decade.
As the high guest said, during today’s meeting with the President of Turkmenistan, the state and prospects of Turkmen-Indian relations were discussed in detail. Having exchanged views on various regional and international issues, the parties also came to agreement about joint efforts to further strengthen the multifaceted partnership.
Touching upon the topic of economic cooperation as an important factor in stepping up interstate cooperation, the President of the Republic of India informed that the parties agreed to carry out a large amount of work to increase mutual trade.
As for the prospects for cooperation in this area, the negotiations emphasized the importance of the North-South transport corridor and the Ashgabat Agreement for the establishment of an international transport and transit corridor.
Highlighting that one of the key topics at today’s summit was partnership in the energy sector, the high guest said that he proposed to discuss at the technical and expert level issues related to the TAPI gas pipeline, its security and basic principles of operation.
In addition, new areas of cooperation were identified taking into account the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of emergency management, signed today between the Governments of the two countries. Along with this, President Ram Nath Kovind spoke about India’s readiness to develop partnership with Turkmenistan in the field of digitalization. A separate emphasis won of mutually beneficial cooperation in the space sector.
During the talks, the importance of holding regular joint cultural events was emphasized. Speaking of that, the President of the Republic of India expressed confidence that the Program of Cooperation in Culture and Art for 2022-2025, signed today, will become a guide for our cooperation in this area.
The talks also underscored the need for a close partnership to counter the coronavirus pandemic.
As the high guest assured, Turkmenistan is a strategic partner of India in the India-Central Asia format. The first India-Central Asia Summit was held online in January this year, and an agreement was reached on the further development of cooperation as part of it.
President Ram Nath Kovind also spoke in support of Turkmenistan’s readiness to send a delegation composed of youth representatives to India through cultural collaboration in the above format. The relevant Memorandum signed today will give an opportunity to step up bilateral youth exchanges.
In addition, during the talks, the importance of further cooperation concerning international issues on a regional and multi-format scale, including the United Nations, was highlighted.
As the high guest informed, he expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan for supporting the candidacy of India as a permanent member of the reformed and enlarged UN Security Council, as well as the initiatives of India as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2021-2022.
Touching upon the Afghan problem, President Ram Nath Kovind emphasized that in this respect, India and Turkmenistan share the principle of a broad “regional consensus” that covers a set of issues related to the settlement of the situation in Afghanistan, maintaining security, rendering humanitarian aid to the people of the country and other topical aspects.
As the high guest emphasized, he is looking forward to the visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to India at any time convenient for him.
At the end of his address to the media representatives, the President of the Republic of India shared his impressions of his stay in Ashgabat, expressing genuine admiration for the magnificence and beauty of the white marble Turkmen capital.
In the afternoon, the head of friendly state proceeded to Kipchak, where he paid tribute to the memory of the first President of Turkmenistan by laying flowers at the Mausoleum.
Then the high guest proceeded to the southern part of Ashgabat, where he laid flowers at the Monument of Independence of Turkmenistan. According to the established kind tradition, in the nearby Alley of Honored Guests, President Ram Nath Kovind planted a young tree as a symbol of the indestructible Turkmen-Indian friendship.
On the same day, at the Yildyz Hotel, the President of the Republic of India met with Turkmen citizens who were educated and completed advanced training courses through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), as well as learned Hindi at higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan.
During the meeting, the intention of Turkmenistan and India to further step up fruitful cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture, and professional personnel training by deepening humanitarian contacts on a long-term basis, including at the interuniversity level, was confirmed.
In the evening, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov gave an official dinner in honor of the high guest, at which the two heads of state exchanged speeches. The reception ceremony was accompanied by performances given by the art figures of our country.
The state visit of the President of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan is in progress.
The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan.
