Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 24: A 2-day-long International Conference on “India and Central Asia: Renewing Historical Relationships” commenced today at University of Jammu (JU).
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The Conference is being hosted by the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies (DSRS), JU in collaboration with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Kolkata.
The inaugural session was held at the Environmental Sciences Auditorium of JU. Prof Virender Koundal, Director of the DSRS JU emphasized the importance of India’s relations with Central Asia, in the historical, cultural and strategic contexts.
While introducing the theme and objectives of the conference, Dr Mohd Monir Alam, organizing secretary of the Conference highlighted the evolving geopolitical landscape and the renewed focus on India-Central Asia cooperation in areas like trade, security and cultural exchange.
Dr Sarup Prasad Ghosh, Director MAKAIAS Kolkata stressed on promoting the collaborative research and policy-oriented dialogue to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between India and Central Asia.
The keynote address of the conference was delivered by Padma Shree Prof KN Pandita, who spoke on the historical connections between India and Central Asia. The guest of honour, Ashutosh Bhatnagar (Director, Jammu Kashmir Study Center, New Delhi) talked about the contemporary economic, strategic and security imperatives prevailing at regional and global level which necessitate closer collaboration between India and Central Asia.
While presiding over the inaugural session of the conference, Prof Umesh Rai (Vice Chancellor, JU) shared his thoughts on the importance of academic engagements in promoting regional diplomacy and mutual understanding between India and Central Asia.
Dr Suneel Kumar from the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies, JU concluded the inaugural session with a vote of thanks.
The conference is being organized in the hybrid mode in which various scholars from different Indian academic institutions and Central Asian countries will participate in the different academic sessions, panel discussions, and paper presentations to explore the historical and contemporary aspects of India-Central Asia relations.
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