Introduction
The end of the Cold War ushered in a period of profound geopolitical changes and brought new opportunities and challenges. Since then, the global geopolitical landscape has been changing significantly, and Asia, the largest continent of the globe, is emerging as a pivot, both in terms of its economic potential and its sway over global politics, primarily due to the progress of Asian countries like India and China.
Nevertheless, the Asian continent is also facing the fall-outs of recent developments, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Taliban coming to power in Afghanistan, and the Israel-Hamas war. This highlights the need for a proper architecture for continental security and stability. In today's changing geopolitical landscape and global complexity, the world order is being reshaped, and to ensure that the international order is inclusive and equitable, Asia must play a significant role in the dialogue on multilateral cooperation for furthering the objectives of peace, security, stability and progress.
With this reference, in October 1992, Kazakhstan's first President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, proposed the concept of CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia) at the 47th Session of the UN General Assembly. [1] Since then, CICA has been instrumental in promoting a spirit of cooperation and trust. Over the last thirty years, CICA has transformed into a platform for a multi-faceted interaction between the leaders, officials, and stakeholders from Asian countries.
CICA: An Overview
A series of rules and guidelines have been developed along with the CICA's primary goals, tasks, and functions. The Declaration of Principles, the Almaty Act, the Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), the Statute of the Secretariat, the Host Country Agreement, and the Convention on Privileges and Immunities are the legal framework for CICA.
The then-Kazakh capital, Almaty, hosted the inaugural CICA meeting in June 2002. [2] The Summit signed and approved the CICA Charter, the Almaty Document, and the Declaration on Eliminating Terrorism and Promoting Dialogue among Civilisations to further peace, security, and stability in Asia. Since then, CICA has convened five Summits in June 2006, June 2010, May 2014, June 2019, and October 2022, in Almaty, Istanbul, Shanghai, Dushanbe, and Astana, respectively. [3] Kazakhstan is currently holding the CICA Chair position for 2020–2024.
In 2022, the sixth CICA Summit was held in Astana to mark the 30th anniversary of CICA. At the Summit, the "Astana Statement" related to a systematic, inclusive, and open negotiation process for the gradual, incremental, and consensus-based transformation of CICA into a full-fledged international regional organisation, was adopted. [4] The sixth CICA Summit also decided to change the title of the Executive Director of the CICA Secretariat to Secretary-General to carry out CICA's transformation from a "dialogue forum" to a "international regional organisation." [5]
Currently, CICA has 28 member states and 15 observer countries and organisations. CICA's policy bodies comprise the Summit of Heads of States and Governments, which convenes every four years; the Meeting of the Foreign Ministers (ministerial meeting), which meets every two years; and the Senior Officials Committee (SOC), which meets at least once a year. Additionally, the CICA has a Special Working Group (SWG) that oversees the management and coordination of its ongoing activities. The SWG examines, encourages, and tracks the advancement of matters concerning the forum's goals in all areas of activity. In addition, it fulfils its assigned responsibilities and reports to the SOC. The country hosting the Summit and the Foreign Ministers' meeting serves as the Chair. In June 2006, the CICA Permanent Secretariat was formally established in Almaty. It was relocated to Astana in September 2014.
Over time, CICA became a crucial forum for conversation on strengthening regional security and stability. Based on a consensus-building process, the forum has created a list of CBMs (confidence-building measures), such as non-traditional challenges and threats, military-political affairs, human dimension, and environmental and economic cooperation.
The CICA Declaration of Principles, Almaty Act, Catalogue of CBMs, Rules of Procedure, and the Convention on Immunities and Privileges have established a comprehensive legal framework for practical interaction in all facets of CICA's activities, including security and stability, economic cooperation, sustainable connectivity, and multilateralism.
Security and Stability
In 2022, during the sixth Summit at Astana, CICA adopted the CICA Plan of Action to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy to support counter-terrorism initiatives. This aims to implement the UN Strategy voluntarily in the CICA region. [6] At the Summit, the leaders of the CICA Member States also acknowledged the advancements in creating and applying information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their growing impact on social, political, economic, humanitarian, and other aspects of national and global security. [7] Due to the lack of robust laws and procedures to oversee the emergence of new conflict domains and weapons, the rising weaponisation of international information space, including social media, it is essential for the developing countries to enhance their information security capabilities and close the "digital divide", in order to guarantee the security and sustainability of the global information space.
Establishing a new Asian security architecture has become necessary due to the changing geopolitical landscape in the region and beyond. CICA uniquely fosters peace and cooperation in Asia by strengthening mutual understanding and confidence among the member countries.
Economic Cooperation
Supporting the growth and development of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector and building direct relationships and open communication between representatives of the private sector and state agencies are critical issues. The relevance of this issue was also recognised by the CICA member states' active participation in the priority area of SME growth, which prompted the CICA Business Council and Business Forum to give it special attention in the sixth CICA Summit in 2022. By creating a favourable climate and sharing experiences, this platform enabled the CICA Member States to support the growth of economic cooperation in the field of SME in the areas that would benefit both parties. Moreover, issues related to energy security, information technology, tourism, agriculture, trade, and investments could also foster economic cooperation among CICA member countries.
Sustainable Connectivity
Understanding the strategic significance of connectivity for trade and growth is crucial, particularly for landlocked countries. This is more significant and pertinent given the geopolitical environment and the emergence of fault lines worldwide. To fully realise their potential, CICA promotes the digitalisation of transport and the continued development of logistical hubs and transport corridors.
Multilateralism
CICA seeks to fortify regional multilateral forums that have exhibited their significance in instituting security architecture and bolstering their gradual advancement. Initially established to foster confidence and trust throughout Asia, CICA is emerging as a platform for exchanging views on peace, security, and stability through multilateral cooperation.
Expansion of CICA
CICA has expanded significantly in recent years. In 2022, Kuwait became a member state of CICA, and Turkmenistan became an observer state. The Eurasian Economic Union became a partner organisation of the CICA in the same year. [8] Subsequently, in December 2023, the CICA Ministerial Council granted Saudi Arabia observer status, a significant step towards continuing the forum's pan-continental expansion to promote peace and security in Asia. [9] Through the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, CICA will better represent this subregion, enhancing and expanding collaboration throughout Asia. CICA's expansion is a critical development. Moreover, the expansion will benefit the forum's continued growth as a pan-Asian platform for communication and collaboration.
Kazakhstan's Role in CICA Chairmanship
The CICA initiative demonstrates Kazakhstan's commitment to fostering understanding and building bridges among Asian countries. Since its inception, Kazakhstan has been instrumental in transforming CICA into a dynamic multilateral forum. Kazakhstan's initial chairmanship from 2002 to 2004 was crucial for the development of CICA, especially the enactment of the Almaty Act and the Charter of CICA, which were significant since they set forth the key concepts and objectives of CICA. Over time, Kazakhstan's experience in CICA has conveyed its unwavering dedication to promoting constructive communication.
During Kazakhstan's extended chairmanship from 2022 to 2024, the key issues, such as regional connectivity, expanding supply chain, counter-terrorism cooperation, and promoting sustainable growth, ecology, and food security, indicate the country's continuous commitment to the forum. The "Astana Statement", proposed by Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the sixth CICA Summit in Astana in 2022, is seen as a significant development towards CICA's transformation into a regional international organisation. [10] In 2022, under Kazakhstan's chairmanship, the CICA Confidence Building Measures Catalogue was also updated to incorporate new high-priority areas of cooperation, including medicines and healthcare, epidemiological safety, and information and communication technology security.
Among the key initiatives outlined during Kazakhstan's chairmanship were the creation of the CICA Council on Sustainable Interconnectivity, the institutionalisation of the CICA Finance Summit for further consensus-based financial cooperation among the CICA member states, the planning of the CICA Environmental Conference in 2024, the establishment of a partner network comprising the top universities in each of the member states, and programmes aimed at bolstering volunteer movements throughout the CICA region. [11]
India's Role
India is a founding member of CICA and has been associated with the CICA process since its inception. The then Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, participated in the first Leader's Summit at Almaty in 2002. He stated, "CICA has to evolve reliable ground rules that would promote peace and security in Asia by reconciling the diverse concerns and interests of the continent's countries." [12]
In CICA, India also recognised the Asian diversity and the consequent need to move ahead gradually, building upon consensus and voluntary participation. Over time, India has been pledging to work together to build a cooperative architecture by enlarging the areas of common advantage and convergence.
India has seconded its diplomat to the CICA Secretariat since April 2007. India has organised and participated in several CICA events, actively supported the forum's efforts, and positively contributed to numerous CICA meetings and exchanges. Following up on the "Energy Security" workshop in June 2021, India convened a "Traditional Medicine" webinar in February 2022. [13] India recently took over as the CBM's coordinator for "counter-terrorism". As the Coordinator of the "Combating Terrorism" CBM, India organised two significant events. A virtual workshop on Counter-radicalisation was held in February 2023, and another on the Misuse of the Internet was held in May 2023. Three CICA CBMs are also being co-coordinated by India: the first, on Development of Secure and Effective Systems of Transportation Corridors, with Azerbaijan; the second, on Energy Security, with Kazakhstan; and the third, on Human Dimension, with Uzbekistan. [14]
As the Prime Minister's Special Envoy, Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi participated in the sixth CICA Summit at Astana in October 2022. In her speech, Minister Lekhi stated, "The development of CICA and its function in fostering international confidence is in tune with India's support for inclusive, consultative, and cooperative multilateralism and our fundamental philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means the world is one family." [15] Besides formulating strategies for addressing conventional and unconventional security issues, CICA holds significance for India in transportation, energy, renewable energy, commerce, and economy.
India frequently participates in activities organised by other member countries of the CICA. India favours inclusive, consultative, and consensus-based multilateral cooperation. It sees CICA as a crucial platform for advancing multilateralism in multipolar Asia and looks forward to CICA upholding and strengthening the Asian Spirit.
Conclusion
CICA is adapting to the changing times, capitalising on the benefits of cooperation. In light of recent critical geopolitical and geoeconomic developments, it has also been assuming new characteristics to help it evolve into a full-fledged organisation for cooperation and indivisible security in Asia. Establishing a full-fledged organisation would enable the continent, its people, and its leadership to develop and put into action a new security and stability paradigm in Asia, one that is based on mutual consultation, participation, and open communication.
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*Dr. Punit Gaur, Research Fellow, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi.
The views expressed are personal.
End Notes
[1] Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, "Visit of CIM to Istanbul for CICA Summit" June 06, 2010, https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/1000/Visit+of+CIM+to+Istanbul+for+CICA+Summit, Accessed February 4, 2024.
[2] The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), "Summit Documents- Declaration of the First CICA Summit", June 04, 2002, https://www.s-cica.org/docs/18427633926259509190bfb.pdf, Accessed February 7, 2024.
[3] The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), "Summit Documents", October 13, 2023, https://www.s-cica.org/index.php?view=page&t=summit-documents, Accessed February 2, 2024.
[4] The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), "Astana Statement on CICA Transformation", October 13, 2023, https://www.s-cica.org/docs/581086209634f8ef116c3b.pdf, Accessed February 7, 2024.
[5] Ibid
[6] CICA Secretariat, "CICA Plan of Action on the Implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy", October 13, 2022, https://www.s-cica.org/docs/41086177363480ba833227.pdf, Accessed February 10, 2024.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Secretariat of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, "About CICA," http://www.s-cica.org/page.php?page_id=7&lang=1, Accessed February 8, 2024.
[9]The Astana Times, "Saudi Arabia Becomes Observer State in CICA", December 28, 2023, https://astanatimes.com/2023/12/saudi-arabia-becomes-observer-state-in-cica/, Accessed February 5, 2024.
[10] Kairat Sarybay, "Empowering Asia: CICA's Global Development Role", The Diplomatic Inside, August 17, 2023, https://thediplomaticinsight.com/empowering-asia-cicas-global-development-role/, Accessed February 12, 2024.
[11] CICA Secretariat, "President of Kazakhstan and CICA Secretary General discuss progress in implementation of organisation's priorities", https://www.s-cica.org/index.php?view=page&t=press_releases&id=1789, Accessed February 14, 2024.
[12]Athar Zafar, "CICA Gaining Dynamism in Shifting Focus on Asia", August 30, 2019, /show_content.php?lang=1&level=3&ls_id=4785&lid=2387, Accessed February 8, 2024.
[13] Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, "India's National Statement at the Informal Meeting of the CICA Ministerial Council", September 22, 2023, https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/37138/Indias+National+Statement+at+the+Informal+Meeting+of+the+CICA+Ministerial+Council#:~:text=The%20successful%20organisation%20of%20the,and%20voluntary%20nature%20of%20cooperation, Accessed February 14, 2024.
[14] Ibid.
[15] Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, "Statement by Minister of State for External Affairs, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi at the 6th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA)", October 13, 2022, https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/35814/Statement_by_Minister_of_State_for_External_Affairs_Smt__Meenakashi_Lekhi_at_the_6th_Summit_of_the_Conference_on_Interaction_and_Confidence_Building_M, Accessed February 6, 2024.