The American edition of The Diplomat published an article by Indian The article focuses on the results of the Termez Dialogue on Interconnectedness between Central and South Asia, which took place on May 19-21 this year in the city of Termez (Uzbekistan).

"This forum is a logical continuation of the efforts of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to strengthen connectivity between Central and South Asia, reflected in the UNGA resolution adopted in 2022," said Shanti Mariet D'Souza.

According to the expert, the Termez Dialogue has become a large-scale and multilateral regional platform that has included a wide range of participants from representatives of both government agencies and international organizations, the financial sector and business circles, and the expert community.

The specialist emphasized that the event contributed to a strategic rethinking of approaches to strengthening cooperation between regions and the implementation of trans-regional projects. The participation of representatives of the private sector and financial institutions in the Termez Dialogue was important, as today they play a key role in ensuring the economic growth of States.

"Moreover," the professor reports, "the peculiarity of the Forum was that the organizers and participants repeatedly noted the need to resolve any issues on a bottom-up basis, that is, through public engagement, which fully meets current realities."

The analyst is confident that the Termez Dialogue is able to contribute to ensuring security by expanding multilateral cooperation, trust and stimulating economic development.

In turn, the author of the article is convinced that the participation of the Afghan delegation in the Forum showed Tashkent's commitment to involving Afghanistan in regional relations, which is a key factor in maintaining peace, security and stability on the vast Eurasian continent.

"Moreover, the reintegration of Kabul into the region, that is, what Uzbekistan is doing, can contribute to the formation of the Taliban as a responsible member of the international community," Shanti Mariet D'Souza is convinced.

Speaking about the symbolism of the event in Termez, the Indian expert emphasizes that this city has historically been located at the junction of Central and South Asia. For centuries, Termez has served as a crossroads of civilizations and a center of intercultural and interfaith dialogue, securing the status of a transit hub.

"Today," the analyst states, "Termez is becoming a regional hub, undergoing a stage of transformation." According to her, new infrastructure projects are creating favorable conditions for this, in particular the Termez International Trade Center and the Cargo Center International Multifunctional Transport and Logistics Hub.

The creation of a free trade zone in Termez is an innovative initiative capable of ensuring long-term and sustainable peace in the Afghan territory through economic integration.

In this context, Shanti Mariet D'Souza pointed out the strategic value of interconnectedness in a crisis in the system of international relations. In this regard, the expert calls on the Indian government to come to the "forefront" of inter-regional interconnectedness as a key condition for intensifying its Central Asian policy.

Uzbekistan's role in promoting connectivity between Central and South Asia was highlighted. "Uzbekistan, as a "middle power," has become a center of attraction, a link between Central Asia and South Asia, as well as the regions of Eurasia as a whole," says the professor.

In general, the expert concludes that the growing economic power of Uzbekistan, its proactive foreign policy and initiative in shaping the Central Asian region are transforming Uzbekistan into a "middle power." At the same time, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is seen as the engine of all processes aimed at deepening inter-regional interconnectedness. In this regard, New Delhi considers it important to strengthen cooperation with Tashkent.

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