In a major diplomatic push through Central Asia, India has reaffirmed its climate leadership and regional cooperation agenda with a focused outreach led by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. During a high-level visit to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Singh participated in key multilateral forums on glacier preservation and biodiversity while also holding bilateral discussions on security, trade, and strategic collaboration.
In Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, Singh addressed the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation, placing the spotlight on the alarming rate of glacial retreat in the Himalayas. Stressing the urgency of the climate crisis, the Indian delegation showcased India’s scientific and technological efforts in glacier monitoring under the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE), which is part of the larger National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
India highlighted its use of advanced satellite-based remote sensing systems and geographic information systems (GIS) operated by ISRO, along with research support from institutions such as the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), and the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE). Strengthening disaster preparedness also featured prominently, with India detailing its initiatives on early warning systems and mapping of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Beyond environmental diplomacy, Singh’s visit strengthened bilateral ties with Tajikistan. High-level meetings were held with Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin and other top officials to enhance collaboration in defence, counter-terrorism, regional security, energy, and cultural exchanges. The engagement also included a special outreach to the Indian diaspora, with a focus on building cultural and people-to-people linkages.
Following his engagements in Tajikistan, Singh will travel to Kyrgyzstan to continue India’s strategic outreach in the region. There, he is expected to meet with Kyrgyz leaders to discuss cooperation in trade, defence, regional connectivity, education, and innovation. The trip will culminate with Singh representing India at the ninth Steering Committee meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP), scheduled for June 5–6 in Issyk-Kul. This signals India’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity conservation, particularly concerning snow leopard habitats and fragile mountain ecosystems.
The twin-nation visit underscores India’s “Connect Central Asia” policy in action, blending environmental urgency with strategic diplomacy. As climate change increasingly reshapes geopolitical priorities, India’s outreach in Central Asia reflects its expanding influence and its readiness to lead on climate resilience, regional stability, and sustainable development