NewKerala.com

India, Uzbekistan Hold 17th FOC, Strengthen Bilateral Ties

The 17th round of India-Uzbekistan Foreign Office Consultations was held in New Delhi, co-chaired by Secretary Sibi George and First Deputy Minister Bakhromjon Aloev. Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, focusing on trade, investment, tourism, technology, innovation, and energy. They also discussed cooperation in educational and cultural fields, along with consular issues. Additionally, views were exchanged on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Key Points: India-Uzbekistan 17th FOC: Trade, Energy, Culture Review

  • 17th India-Uzbekistan FOC held in New Delhi
  • Co-chaired by Sibi George and Bakhromjon Aloev
  • Reviewed trade, investment, tourism, technology, energy
  • Exchanged views on regional and global issues
2 min read

India, Uzbekistan hold 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations, review bilateral relations

India and Uzbekistan review full spectrum of bilateral ties in 17th FOC. Focus on trade, energy, tourism, and cultural cooperation.

"Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations with focus on trade & investment, tourism, technology, innovation, energy... - Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, May 13

The 17th round of India-Uzbekistan Foreign Office Consultations were held in Delhi on Wednesday, co-chaired by Secretary Sibi George and Bakhromjon Aloev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.

Both sides pored over full spectrum of bilateral relations.

In a post on X, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "The 17th round of India-Uzbekistan Foreign Office Consultations were held in New Delhi on 13 May 2026, co-chaired by Secretary (West) Sibi George and Mr. Bakhromjon Aloev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations with focus on trade & investment, tourism, technology, innovation, energy, cooperation in educational, cultural fields and other consular issues. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest."

Earlier, the 16th India-Uzbekistan Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held on August 7, 2023 in Tashkent. It was co-chaired by Sanjay Verma, then Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs and Bakhromjon Aloyev, Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan.

The two sides discussed the current status and the way forward to enhance their bilateral relations, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Connectivity, enhancement of bilateral trade and cooperation within the framework of India-Central Asia partnership were priorities taken up for discussion, as per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Secretary (West) called on Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov. Both sides emphasised the need to further strategise India-Uzbekistan economic and defence partnership.

During the visit, Secretary (West) and Director of Uzbekistan Post Mr. Alisher Faizullayev jointly released a commmemorative postal stamp on India's Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Secretary (West) gratefully acknowledged this special gesture by Uzbekistan.

To mark the formal closing of AKAM cekebrations, an Indian cultural finale was held in the amphitheatre of the iconic Eternal City of Samarkand, during which artists from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture, Tashkent and Uzbekistan's Havaas group, famous for its Bollywood inspired performances entertained the audience. Secretary (West) participated in the event as the Chief Guest.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav stamp release is a beautiful gesture. Our soft power through Bollywood and culture is one of India's strongest diplomatic tools. Hope this translates into more people-to-people exchanges.
R
Ramesh W
These consultations are good but I hope we see more concrete results in trade figures. We keep talking about connectivity and investment but ground reality is slow. Need faster implementation of projects like Chabahar port to truly connect with Central Asia.
M
Michael C
India's increasing engagement with Central Asian republics is a smart move to counterbalance China's influence in the region. Uzbekistan being a key player makes this partnership strategically important. Good to see the consistent dialogue.
K
Kavya N
The cultural finale in Samarkand with Bollywood-inspired performances sounds wonderful! 🙌 These cultural bridges are so important. Many Indians don't realise how much Central Asia loves our films and music. More of this please!
S
Suresh O
Defence partnership with Uzbekistan is crucial. With Afghanistan's instability and terrorism threats, Central Asia is a vital region. India should increase military training exchanges and joint exercises with Tashkent. Security cooperation must be prioritised alongside trade.
J
James A
Interesting to see this consistent diplomatic engagement. India-Uzbekistan relations have historical

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50