Who are Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)?
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is a regional organization made up of several post-Soviet states in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It was established in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, with the goal of promoting economic, political, and cultural cooperation among its member states.
The CIS currently has nine member states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It also has four associate member states: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, and Turkmenistan. The organization is headquartered in Minsk, Belarus.
The CIS serves as a forum for its member states to discuss and coordinate on issues of mutual concern, such as trade, security, and cultural exchange. It has a number of subsidiary bodies and committees that focus on specific areas of cooperation, such as energy, transportation, and environmental protection. The organization also has a number of observer states, including Afghanistan, Serbia, and Turkey.
While the CIS has played a role in promoting cooperation among its member states, it has faced criticism for its lack of real power and influence. Many of its member states have pursued closer ties with other regional organizations, such as the European Union and NATO, and the organization has struggled to effectively address conflicts and disputes between its member states.
India and CIS States’ relations
India has historically had strong relations with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a regional organization made up of several post-Soviet states in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The CIS was established in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the organization.
India has a long history of economic, cultural, and political ties with the countries of the CIS region, and it has sought to strengthen these relations in recent years. India has engaged in a range of activities with the CIS countries, including trade, investment, cultural exchange, and cooperation on issues such as energy and security.
In recent years, India has also sought to enhance its engagement with the CIS countries through initiatives such as the India-CIS Business Council and the India-CIS Forum for Trade and Investment. These efforts have helped to promote greater economic cooperation and have contributed to the overall strengthening of India’s relations with the CIS countries.
Overall, India’s relations with the CIS countries have been positive and have helped to enhance cooperation and collaboration between the two regions.
