India and Tajikistan to Promote INSTC, Fight Against Terror

On his current and ongoing visit to Tajikistan, Indian President, Ram Nath Kovind and President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, signed eight pacts that were related to promoting trade between these countries by encouraging connectivity via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and also to combat the threats of religious fundamentalism and terrorism. Speaking to the media, President Kovind said, “Together, India and Tajikistan can promote the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and other connectivity initiatives such as the development of Chabahar port and the Ashgabat Agreement for smooth transport of goods.”

The Indian President also thanked his Tajik counterpart for his and his nation’s cooperation in these matters, saying, “I thank President Rahmon for his support for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN.” The CCIT was proposed by India to the United Nations in 1996, and its primary intent was to not allow terrorists and their political and financial backers to seek refuge in any nation, as well as to make criminal any act of terrorism in the world.

Talking about the investment that India had made and continues to make in Tajikistan to help them achieve their combined aims, President Kovind said, “We are happy to offer a grant of $20 million for financing development projects as identified by the government of Tajikistan.” Both he and President Rahmon expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan, one of the nations that is key to realizing the dream of the INSTC, which passes through Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia and Central Asia, connecting India to Europe.