In a powerful display of regional solidarity, the foreign ministers of Central Asia nations have unequivocally condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, and pledged their resolute commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. This strong statement emerged from the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, hosted by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, highlighting a shared determination to address regional and global security challenges.
The Pahalgam attack, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, primarily tourists, on April 22, 2025, has drawn widespread condemnation globally. The Central Asian ministers, representing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, joined the chorus of disapproval, emphasizing the critical need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of such heinous acts accountable and bring them to justice.
A joint statement released after the dialogue underscored the participating nations’ “firm commitment to fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” It specifically called out the perils of providing safe havens, using terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism, terror financing, arms and drugs trafficking, and the dissemination of radical ideology and disinformation through cyberspace. These practices, the statement asserted, “go against the basic principles of humanity and international law.”
The ministers stressed the urgency of adopting the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, a long-standing Indian proposal, to strengthen global counter-terrorism cooperation. They also reiterated the need to fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, all crucial frameworks in the international fight against illicit financing and terrorism.
Beyond condemnation, the dialogue focused on concrete steps to enhance regional cooperation against terrorism. Discussions included strengthening UN-led global counter-terrorism efforts and implementing existing resolutions. There was also an emphasis on the importance of regular consultations among the National Security Councils of India and the Central Asian countries to bolster efforts against terrorism and other emerging threats.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted successful capacity-building programs organized by India for Central Asian drug law enforcement officers and on countering financing of terrorism. These initiatives demonstrate a practical approach to shared security concerns and a commitment to pooling resources and expertise.
The Central Asian nations also expressed strong support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, free from terrorism, war, and drugs, recognizing its critical role in regional stability. They agreed to maintain close coordination and consultations on matters related to Afghanistan.
This unified stance from Central Asia against the Pahalgam attack and their pledge to fight terror alongside India signifies a growing convergence of security interests and a collective resolve to foster peace and stability in the wider region. It sends a clear message that such acts of violence will not deter their shared commitment to a secure and prosperous future.