On The Crossroads, Ali Adili, Non-Resident Policy Fellow with The Andiana Foundation and Non-Resident Fellow with New York University’s Center on International Cooperation, hosts Aziza Mukhammedova, Leading Research Fellow at the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies, for a deep-dive discussion on the evolving relationship between Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and the wider Central–South Asian region.

The conversation focuses on the Trans-Afghan Corridor, the Termez Dialogue, and Uzbekistan’s broader approach to regional connectivity, where Afghanistan is viewed not only through a security lens but also as a potential land bridge linking Central Asia with South Asia.

The discussion also examines the major political and security constraints facing regional connectivity projects. Ms Mukhammedova highlights that the viability of the Trans-Afghan Railway depends on predictable relations between Kabul and Islamabad, while persistent security threats from militant groups continue to complicate long-term regional planning. Against this background, the conversation presents the Termez Dialogue as an emerging multilateral platform aimed at transforming Afghanistan from a source of regional uncertainty into a subject of structured dialogue, infrastructure cooperation, and economic interdependence.

* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.