Vivekananda International Foundation | Seeking Harmony in Diversity

EU-Central Asia Relations: An Emerging Partnership

On November 5, European Union (EU) leaders met with prime minister-level Central Asian representatives in Bishkek for the inaugural EU-Central Asia Economic Forum. The delegation from the EU was led by Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner...

November 29 , 2021

Uzbekistan-India: Exploring New Horizons of Strategic Partnership

The VIF, in collaboration with the Embassy of Republic of Uzbekistan in India organised a virtual webinar on Uzbekistan-India: Exploring New Horizons of Strategic Partnership on 18 October. India shares close historical and cultural relations with...

October 21 , 2021

Decoding Tajikistan’s Critical Approach towards Taliban

The quick rise of the Taliban after the US troops started to withdraw from Afghanistan has left the country’s neighbours in a difficult situation. Pakistan, a long-time ally of the Taliban, was pleased with the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan....

September 23 , 2021

How is Central Asia Reacting to Afghanistan’s Fall?

Introduction The developments that Central Asian Republics (CARs) have been dreading in recent weeks have begun to unfold. On August 15, 2021, the Taliban took over Kabul, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Afghan government headed by...

August 24 , 2021

Developments in Afghanistan: Concerns for Russia’s Central Asia Policy

Background The failure of the Afghan Peace process and subsequent 'US-allied forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan has paved the way for an accelerated Taliban offensive in the country. This has become a serious concern for regional security and...

August 13 , 2021

Regional Equations amid US Withdrawal from Afghanistan

The sudden withdrawal of US forces on the night of 1st July 2021 from Bagram created a piquant situation not only for Afghanistan security forces but also for the entire world. While a withdrawal was always in the offing, with a deadline being...

August 6 , 2021

VIF Webinar on “Indo-Uzbek Relations”

India and Uzbekistan share close historical and cultural links dating back to ancient times. Uzbekistan is India’s extended neighbour and a strategic partner. This relationship is multi-faceted and includes cooperation in political, trade-economic,...

December 16 , 2020

The Economic Impact of COVID-19 in Central Asia

Introduction The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is so profound that the world will never be the same again. Human communication, social norms and habits have transformed immensely due to this. More digitalisation and less physical interactions have...

December 11 , 2020

Second India-Central Asia Dialogue: Major Takeaways

Introduction Central Asia is considered India's extended neighbourhood. In the absence of direct land connectivity, India-Central Asia relations have been marginalized in the post-Soviet period. India and Central Asian Republics (CARs) share common...

November 5 , 2020

Chinese Activity in Central Asia; beyond Trade, Transport and Economy

Background China has invested in energy, infrastructure, transportation, railways and roads, communications etc. in Central Asia. Recently, Chinese Huawei has signed around one billion deal with Uzbekistan for digitalization of the country.1 This...

June 30 , 2020