Third edition of youth exchange program deepens people-to-people ties with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
A 100-member youth delegation from five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—visited India from March 21 to 28, 2025, as part of the India-Central Asia Youth Exchange Programme. This initiative was launched following the first India-Central Asia Summit held virtually in January 2022.
Delegation engages with Indian leaders, visits Goa, IIT Delhi, and iconic cultural sites
This was the third such youth delegation to visit India, featuring young achievers from diverse fields such as entrepreneurship, academia, sports, art, and social media. Goa was the focus state for this year’s edition.
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During their visit, the delegates met with the Hon’ble Governor, Chief Minister, and other state dignitaries, and explored institutions such as the Goa Chamber of Commerce, Institute of Management, and IIT Delhi
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A highlight of the itinerary included a visit to the Taj Mahal, offering a glimpse into India’s architectural grandeur
The delegation also interacted with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, who underscored the historic and cultural ties between India and Central Asia. The youth were encouraged to be ambassadors of goodwill and cooperation, taking forward the shared legacy between the regions. They also called on Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, sharing their experiences from the visit.
A cultural and knowledge bridge between India and Central Asia
The visit provided the delegates with first-hand exposure to India’s advancements in education, technology, infrastructure, and research, while immersing them in the country’s rich cultural heritage. The initiative aims to foster millennia-old people-to-people connections, and is part of India’s broader strategy to build stronger, multifaceted partnerships with Central Asian nations.
