The virtual meeting came at a time when the importance of the five states has increased, particularly in light of developments in Afghanistan. The leaders agreed to establish a joint task force on Afghanistan and establish an institutionalized framework for regular collaboration and interaction, including holding the summit every two years. There was also talk of working jointly on connectivity initiatives centered on India’s presence in Iran’s Chabahar port and creating a roadmap that builds on the past 30 years of relations. Mr Modi has made clear that Central Asia is key to India’s vision of an “extended, integrated and stable neighbourhood” and the decision to hold regular meetings of senior security officials reflects the emphasis on security issues for all countries.

These plans for the future are a welcome development, but now India will have to follow the chops. Trade between India and Central Asian states was worth $3 billion in 2020, with Kazakhstan accounting for over 80%. By contrast, China’s trade with the region was worth almost 10 times as much, and Beijing stepped up deliveries of military hardware to Central Asian states. It will not be enough for the six countries to talk about longstanding links between places such as Samarkand and Agra and connectivity initiatives. India needs to do more to wean Central Asian states off China’s largesse, and that clearly comes at a cost. There are also differences in approach to Afghanistan, with some Central Asian states showing greater willingness to work with the Taliban apparatus. However, the basic elements are now in place and India has the means to take its relations to a higher qualitative level while working for greater regional stability.