EDITORIAL Note.

Keeping in view the regional peace and development as an important pillar of foreign and regional policy of the countries, Turkmenistan took a giant leap forward by hosting first Caspian Economic Forum in Avaza where high level delegations lead by Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Caspian Region countries including Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan issued joint statements and engaged in meaningful discussions for resolution of their long disputes over Caspian basin.

The aim of the forum was to not only move ahead with the implementation of the joint projects for promotion of the investment opportunities in diverse sectors but also to promote the confidence building measures amongst the regional countries. Being a country with the clear international position of neutrality, recognized by the UN, Turkmenistan has played its key constructive role in the regional peacebuilding and promoting the development initiatives. Having rich resources, Turkmenistan has also made the substantial contribution towards regional development especially with the several energy pipelines originating from country connecting the regional countries into peaceful interdependence. No doubt, Caspian is at a juncture of the global communication.

The region though mired with its own economic and political challenges with a strong influence from global powers, however countries like Turkmenistan can play a constructive role with the steps that can help rebuild confidence amongst countries. The economic prosperity and connected benefits from the Caspian Sea basin including the emerging pipeline projects has led to the progress towards peace and efforts for peaceful coexistence.

The future is Caspian for all the states. While writing these lines, Indian Occupied Kashmir remained under siege since August 5 after the rushed presidential orders stripped Kashmiris of the special autonomy status through repealing of the Article 370. This unprecedented move by the BJP government has made South Asian security and stability at risk by putting two nuclear armed states at the brink of war. This has not only destroyed overall regional balance but has also made the world's peace and security at risk. This has also put other regional peace and dialogue initiatives at risk including Afghanistan. This act of the Indian government is also heinous move to change and dilute the demographics of occupied region.

International community has realized the urgency of the...