New Delhi is working on setting up a Central Asian E-network with its hub in India. Outlining some of the main elements of India's Connect Central Asia Policy, Minister of State for External Affairs E.Ahmed said the E-network will help in tele-education and tele-medicine connectivity linkages with all the five Central Asian countries.

Delivering his key note address at first India Central Asia Dialogue in Bishkek, the Minister said Central Asia over the last two decades in general and recently in particular is witnessing an unprecedented integration into the global economic and political mainstream.

Mr. Ahmed said, New Delhi recognise Central Asian countries as close political partners, which has become a key element of India's foreign policy.

The Minister said that historical agreements for the construction of TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline has put the spotlight on the importance of Central Asia for India's future energy plans.

It will also greatly benefit Afghanistan as it will take the country towards converting it into a hub for trade and energy.

The Minister also offered cooperation in the medical field with setting up civil hospitals and clinics in Central Asia.

Expressing conern over relatively low level of around five million US dollars trade with the whole region , he hoped that this dialogue will address some of the main issues like limited land connectivity and the limited size of the central asian markets.