India and Uzbekistan review strategic partnership, discuss regional challenges
New Delhi, Aug 3
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov on Monday undertook a detailed review of bilateral strategic partnership during the latter's ongoing three-day visit to New Delhi.
"Great to meet my friend, Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov of Uzbekistan. Undertook a detailed review of our Strategic Partnership, with particular focus on energy, infrastructure, trade, defence, education and culture. We also discussed key regional challenges and exchanged views on expanding our multilateral cooperation," EAM Jaishankar wrote on X after the meeting.
While making his opening remarks at the meeting, EAM Jaishankar appreciated the steady momentum in India-Uzbekistan ties.
"We in India consider Uzbekistan to be part of our extended neighbourhood, and there is always a continuous exchange of people, ideas, and goods in both directions. We share very long and deep historical and cultural linkages," EAM Jaishankar stated.
According to him, bilateral relations between India and Uzbekistan have expanded over the years, and now they really span a very diverse range of domains -- from construction and digital to energy, health, and education. The EAM also expressed interest in expanding into mining and noted that the trade between the two countries is close to a billion dollars, a number which "should go up".
Earlier in the day, the Uzbek minister called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
During the meeting, the two leaders agreed that the visit offers an opportunity to identify new areas of bilateral cooperation and deepen partnership across various sectors.
"Mr Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President said that both countries share deep historical, cultural, and civilisational ties, rooted in ancient trade routes. The two leaders agreed that this visit provides an opportunity to identify new areas of bilateral cooperation and deepen our mutually beneficial partnership across diverse sectors," the President's Secretariat posted on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
India's extended neighbourhood policy is really taking shape. Uzbekistan has deep historical connections with us through the Silk Route, and it's nice to see that legacy being revived in modern times. The trade figure of nearly $1 billion is promising but as the minister said, it should definitely go higher. We have so much potential to unlock together!
Interesting to see India expanding its diplomatic footprint in Central Asia. Uzbekistan's location is strategically significant, and this partnership could have long-term benefits for regional stability. The emphasis on defence and security cooperation makes sense too.
Good diplomatic move but I hope we focus on actual outcomes rather than just MoUs and press releases. The trade volume has been hovering around a billion for a while now. We need more concrete steps to boost investments and reduce bottlenecks. Otherwise, all this strategic partnership talk is just empty rhetoric. 🙏
It's heartening to see India reconnecting with its civilisational neighbours. The shared history with Uzbekistan through Buddhism and the Silk Route is truly special. The focus on education and cultural exchanges will help build stronger people-to-people ties. Looking forward to more student exchange programs between our universities!
The focus on energy and infrastructure is notable. With global supply chains shifting, India needs reliable partners in Central Asia. This visit seems to be laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation in these areas, which could benefit both economies in the long run.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.