Mary province and five states of India identified areas of trade cooperation

The Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, paid an official visit to the city of Mary and Mary province on February 20–21, 2026.

During the visit, the diplomat held meetings with the Governor (Hyakim) of Mary province, Dovranberdi Annaberdiyev, and the Mayor (Hyakim) of Mary city, Artyk Bashimov. The talks focused on the potential for trade and economic cooperation between India and the region of Turkmenistan.

The Ambassador, together with the Deputy Governor of the province, Chemen Akyyeva, launched the "Indian Film Festival" in Mary city. As part of the festival, eight Indian films of various genres and eras were screened for free at the "Belent" shopping center from February 20 to 24.

Furthermore, the Ambassador and the Deputy Governor participated in a special event aimed at developing trade and economic relations between Mary province and five Indian states: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. On February 21, the Ambassador, alongside the head of the provincial Physical Culture and Sports Committee, Dovran Myradov, attended a special yoga session.

As noted by the Indian Embassy, this visit demonstrates the consistently high importance India attaches to its long-term friendly relations with Turkmenistan. They also emphasized the country's readiness to share its development experience in accordance with the priorities of the Turkmen side.