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India and Turkmenistan share historical and civilizational linkages. Archaeological finds have revealed contacts between the Indus Valley Civilization and Bronze Age settlements in southern Turkmenistan. A statue of Buddha found in the ruins of Merv (Mary Province) in Turkmenistan suggests trade and cultural links between the two countries since ancient times as Merv was an important point in the famous Silk Route. The presence of Turkmen Gate in Delhi, built in honour of Turkmen Sufi poet Shah Turkmen Bayabani also testifies the age-old links between both countries.

India has been maintaining contacts with Turkmenistan even before its independence from the erstwhile USSR in October 1991. India was among the first countries to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence in December 1991 with formal diplomatic relations being established in April 1992 and resident Mission of India in Ashgabat set up in January 1994. The year 2022 marked 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic rel