India and Afghanistan at Heart of Asia conference

Context

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in the 9th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia Istanbul Proces and emphasised that a double peace is required in Afghanistan forpeace and progress in the region.

About the Heart of Asia Istanbul Process (HoA-IP)

• The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process is a regional initiative of Afghanistan and the Republic of Turkey.
  • It was launched on 2 November 2011 in Istanbul.
• Motto: It was started with the motto “?STANBUL PROCESS ON REGIONAL SECURITY AND COOPERATION FOR A SECURE AND STABLE AFGHANISTAN”.
• Aim: It aims to promote regional security, political and economic cooperation which is centered on Afghanistan The Process has three main pillars
  • Political Consultation
  • Confidence Building Measures
  • Cooperation with Regional Organization

Afghanistan and India cooperation projects

• The development partnership of USD 3 billion for Afghanistan which includes more than 550Community Development Projects and Drinking water projects
• Dedicated Air Freight Corridor between the cities of India and Afghanistan
• India-Afghanistan Trade & Investment Show, titled ‘Passage to Prosperity’
• Operationalization of Chahbahar Port of Iran
• Construction of Lalandar Shatood Dam