Deepening Strategic Ties: India, Uzbekistan Expand Partnership
In a significant development, India and Uzbekistan have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership by enhancing cooperation in critical sectors, including mining, trade, energy, infrastructure, defence, and education. The decision was reached during high-level talks between External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in New Delhi.
A Strong Foundation of Historical and Cultural Ties
Welcoming Saidov’s delegation, EAM Jaishankar described Uzbekistan as an integral part of India’s “extended neighbourhood”. He highlighted the long-standing historical, cultural, and civilizational ties between the two nations, which have steadily expanded over the years to cover a wide range of sectors, including construction, digital technology, energy, healthcare, and education. “Our bilateral relations have come a long way, and we are now looking to broaden our cooperation into new areas,” Jaishankar said.
Boosting Economic Exchanges
The External Affairs Minister expressed confidence that economic exchanges between the two countries would increase significantly in the coming years, citing the bilateral trade of nearly one billion US dollars. He noted that the two sides are now looking to strengthen cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in critical minerals and rare earth resources. “We believe that there is tremendous potential for growth in our trade and economic ties,” Jaishankar said.
Comprehensive Review of Strategic Partnership
The two sides conducted a comprehensive review of their strategic partnership, focusing on energy, infrastructure, trade, defence, education, and culture. They also discussed regional developments and explored ways to strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums. “We have a shared perspective on many global issues, including terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking,” Jaishankar said. “We appreciate Uzbekistan’s firm stand against terrorism and its commitment to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism.”
Shared Perspectives on Global Issues
EAM Jaishankar noted that India and Uzbekistan share similar perspectives on many global issues, including terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking. He appreciated Uzbekistan’s firm stand against terrorism, stating that both countries have consistently maintained a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and terror sanctuaries. “We believe that our cooperation in this area will only strengthen our bilateral ties,” Jaishankar said.
Support for Uzbekistan’s Initiatives
The Minister also thanked Uzbekistan for supporting India’s initiatives during its BRICS Presidency in 2026 and conveyed New Delhi’s support for Uzbekistan’s candidature to chair the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for the 2027-2029 period. “We believe that Uzbekistan’s leadership in NAM will be a significant step forward for the movement,” Jaishankar said.
President Murmu’s Meeting with Saidov
Earlier in the day, Saidov called on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. During the meeting, President Murmu underscored the deep historical links between the two nations and stressed that the current visit offers an opportunity to identify new areas of cooperation and further strengthen bilateral ties. She highlighted the significant potential for collaboration in mining, particularly rare earth minerals, as well as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.
Strong Educational and Professional Exchanges
The President also praised the strong educational and professional exchanges between the two countries, noting that more than 3,000 Uzbek officials, professionals, and students have benefited from India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and scholarship schemes. She added that over 16,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan. “We believe that our educational exchanges will only strengthen our bilateral ties,” President Murmu said.
Boosting Commercial Engagement
Saidov’s visit also featured an India-Uzbekistan Business Forum aimed at boosting commercial engagement and encouraging greater investment between the two countries. The forum provided a platform for Indian and Uzbek businesses to explore new opportunities and strengthen their ties. “We believe that our business community will play a key role in deepening our strategic partnership,” Jaishankar said.