How Are PM Modi and Uzbekistan President Mirziyoyev Advancing Their Strategic Partnership?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing telephonic dialogue between PM Modi and President Mirziyoyev.
- Focus on key sectors like trade, connectivity, and technology.
- Commitment to combat terrorism and enhance regional stability.
- Historical ties between India and Uzbekistan continue to strengthen.
- Importance of the India-Central Asia Dialogue for bilateral relations.
New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a telephonic dialogue with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Tuesday, during which both leaders assessed the advancements made in essential areas of bilateral cooperation and reiterated their mutual commitment to further develop the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership.
During their conversation, Mirziyoyev extended his warm wishes to PM Modi and the Indian populace in light of the upcoming 79th Independence Day of India, as noted in a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
In a post on X, PM Modi remarked, "Had a productive discussion with President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev. We evaluated the progress made in crucial aspects of our bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed our collective determination to further bolster the India–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership.
The leaders also exchanged insights regarding regional and global developments of common interest, emphasizing their commitment to enhance the longstanding bonds between India and Central Asia. They agreed to maintain ongoing communication.
According to the PMO, "The two leaders evaluated advancements in various key areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, connectivity, health, technology, and people-to-people ties."
Relations between India and Uzbekistan are rooted in ancient history, with India being among the first nations to acknowledge Uzbekistan's sovereignty after its independence.
Prime Minister Modi visited Tashkent in July 2015 and June 2016, and Samarkand in September 2022. In turn, President Mirziyoyev visited India in October 2018 and January 2019. A virtual summit was held between PM Modi and Mirziyoyev in December 2020. Following PM Modi's initiative, the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan participated in the inaugural India-Central Asia Summit in January 2022 via virtual format. The leaders also met at the COP-28 in Dubai in December 2023 and during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, last October.
In June, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov to discuss collaboration in connectivity, investment, trade, and energy sectors. They addressed the shared challenge of terrorism facing both regions.
"I was pleased to meet Bakhtiyor Saidov of the Republic of Uzbekistan. We discussed the shared challenge of terrorism for our regions and our collaboration in connectivity, investment, trade, and energy sectors. We concluded a Program of Cooperation, demonstrating our commitment to advancing our Strategic Partnership," EAM Jaishankar noted on X.
Saidov was in India for the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue held in New Delhi. During his opening remarks, EAM Jaishankar appreciated the solidarity displayed by Central Asian countries in denouncing the horrific terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.
The India-Central Asia Dialogue, initiated in January 2019 in Samarkand, serves as a crucial platform for enhancing relations between India and Central Asia.