The agreement establishes a framework for long-term cooperation between the two institutions, aimed at strengthening expert networks and advancing joint research on relations between India and the Central Asian countries.

Key areas of cooperation include joint research projects, policy publications and recommendations, regular consultations, conferences and thematic workshops, as well as the exchange of research materials and closer engagement between experts.

Speaking at the Forum, Javlon Vakhabov, Director of IICA, emphasized that the strong political and institutional foundations of India–Central Asia relations should increasingly translate into concrete joint projects. He highlighted the important role think tanks can play in moving beyond dialogue towards practical solutions through policy-oriented research and actionable recommendations for relevant government agencies.

Harsh Pant, Vice President of ORF, commended IICA's role in advancing Central Asia's regional agenda and fostering expert dialogue through the Central Asia Plus formats. He expressed interest in expanding joint research, expert consultations and the exchange of analytical publications, stressing the importance of building a sustained, results-oriented partnership between the two institutions.

Both sides identified trade and investment, transport connectivity, digital technologies, energy, critical minerals, education and skills development as priority areas of mutual interest.

The signing of the MoU marked one of the key practical outcomes of the Central Asia–India Think Tank Forum, laying the groundwork for sustained expert-level cooperation between IICA and ORF.

Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is an independent Indian think tank established in 1990. Its research covers international relations, security, economics, sustainable development, energy and technology. ORF also serves as a platform for expert dialogue on key regional and global issues.