Five years after their independence, India's relations with each country of Central Asia and Azerbaijan have developed in a unique and specific way. The dynamics of these individual relationships was, however, influenced by some common concerns and challenges faced by the region as a whole.

Relations between India and Kazakhstan were marked by significant high level visits. The vice-president visited Kazakhstan from 20-22 September 1996 and President Nazarbaev visited India from 9-11 December 1996. As a result of decisions taken during these visits, Working Groups for focused cooperation in medium and small-scale industries, peaceful uses of nuclear energy and defense were set up. It was also decided that Indo-Kazakh cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector would encompass not only exploration and developmental activities but also investment for upgradation and modernization of existing infrastructure facilities such as refineries and pipelines as well as training programs. A commemorative postage stamp on the national poet of Kazakhstan, Abai Konunbaev, was released during President Nazarbaev's visit to India.

The vice-president visited the Kyrgyz Republic from 18-20 September 1996. The vice-president inaugurated jointly with the President of Kyrgyz Republic the Gandhi Studies Center at the Bishkek Humanities University where he was also conferred the highest honorary degree by the University. The vice-president also addressed mem-bers of the Kyrgyz Parliament during his visit.

The highlight of India's relations with Turkmenistan was the State visit of President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat A Niyazov to India on 25 and 26 February 1997. Discussions during the visit revealed once again a close political understanding between India and Turkmenistan on key regional and international issues. The Prime Minister and President Niyazov signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the celebration of the 5000, Anniversary of Bairam Kham Turkmen in India and in Turkmenistan. During the visit of the Minister of External Affairs to Iran in February 1997, India, Iran and Turkmenistan signed a trilateral agreement on international transit of goods between India, Iran and Turkmenistan at the level of Foreign Ministers. The Agreement provides a legal framework for the multi-modal movement of goods from India to Iran and Turkmenistan and other CIS Member States that may join the arrangement in future and vice versa. A pharmaceutical joint venture financed under the Indian credit line to Turkmenistan became operational during 1996-97.

Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan visited India from 19-23 August 1996. People-to-people contacts and cooperation in human resource development were further intensified with the inauguration of the India Chair with Uzbekistan at the University of World Economics in Tashkent. The utilization of Rs 35 crore credit line extended by India has proceeded satisfactorily.

India and Tajikistan maintained the tradition of close political understanding and mutual cooperation. A pharmaceutical plant in Dushanbe constructed with the use of the Indian credit line became operational during 1996-97. India views with close interest and sympathy the efforts being made to normalize the political situation within the country through peaceful dialogue and negotiations.

India's relations with Azerbaijan were further activated through consultations on bilateral and multilateral issues. A joint delegation of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the CIS Chamber of Commerce and Industry visited Baku from 15-19 December 1996. The visit highlighted the potential for bilateral cooperation in trade and joint ventures in areas such as cotton yarn, food processing, pharmaceuticals, hotel development and the oil and gas sectors.

India made a determined effort to impart greater content and substance to relations with Turkey. Under Secretary in Turkish Foreign Ministry visited India from 2-4 February 1997 for foreign office consultations. Two ships of the Indian navy visited Turkey in November 1996. An agreement was signed between FICCI and its counterpart body in Turkey on establishing the joint Business Council (JBC) and defining its scope and functioning. A 14-member delegation of FICCI visited Turkey from 11-13 December 1996 for the first meeting of the Indo-Turkish joint Business Council.