New Delhi: National security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Tuesday, October 17, criticised Pakistan for blocking India's land access to Central Asia and China for setting dubious conditions for connectivity projects, saying that connectivity initiatives should be consultative, transparent and participatory.

Speaking at the conclave of NSAs of India and Central Asian countries in Kazakhstan, Doval said that connectivity and economic integration with the Central Asian countries is a key priority for India. Such intitiatives should respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, he said in an oblique reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative. "They should also adhere to environmental parameters, ensure financial viability and not become debt burdens," the NSA added.

The absence of direct land access between Central Asia and India is an anomaly, he said, which is a result of a "conscious policy of denial by a particular country" – Pakistan. "This situation is not only self-defeating for this country but it also reduces the collective well-being of the entire region," the NSA said.

Doval said that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations continues to constitute one of the most serious threats to international peace and security and that any act of terrorism, regardless of its motivation or cause, is unjustifiable.

He added that the meeting is being held when the world is witnessing great challenges, adding that dialogue is the only answer to settling difference and disputes. "Diplomacy must be at the Centre of all conflict resolution initiatives," he said.

The NSA also offered fully funded capacity building programmes in a wide range of areas to the participating nations such as access to the technology of the United Payment Interface (UPI). He proposed a partnership in rare earth and strategic minerals.

On Afghanistan, he said the situtation remains a cause of concern and the immediate priorities should be providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring the formation of a truly inclusive and representative government.

He said ​the strongest bond between Indian and Central Asia is the extensive cultural linkage and people-to-people ties. India will organise a seminar in India between leading scholars and ulemas from India and the Central Asian countries, Doval added. This will facilitate a deeper understanding of the history and context of Islam and its role in fostering peaceful coexistence and social harmony in today’s complicated world.

The national security advisers or secretaries of the National Security Councils of the Republic of India, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. Turkmenistan was represented by the Embassy in Astana.​

This is the Second Meeting of the India-Central Asia NSAs, with the first held in New Delhi in December last year.

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