Ministry of External Affairs of India on February 1, 2018, announced the joining of India to Ashgabat Agreement. India’s membership came into force on 3 February 2018.
- As per the External Affairs Ministry, Turkmenistan, as depository State of Ashgabat Agreement, informed India on February 1, that all the four founding members have consented to the Accession of India and that India’s accession to the Agreement will enter into force on 3 February 2018.
- Upon receipt of approval of the Union Cabinet for India’s accession to the Ashgabat Agreement, India had deposited the Instrument of Accession with Turkmenistan in April 2016.
About the Agreement:
- Ashgabat Agreement is related to the Establishment of an International Transport and Transit Corridor between the Governments of the of Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
- It was signed on 25 April 2011 in the Capital city of Turkmenistan.
- Ashgabat Agreement envisages facilitation of transit and transportation of goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.
Benefits to India: Accession to the Agreement would diversify India’s connectivity options with Central Asia and have a positive influence on India’s trade and commercial ties with the region.
