India and Uzbekistan discuss connectivity, bilateral trade at foreign office talks

The 16th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Uzbekistan saw the two sides discussing the current status of ties between them as well as attempts to enhance bilateral relations.

According to information released by the MEA on Tuesday (August 8, 2023), they discussed issues of priority, like connectivity, bilateral trade, and cooperation within the framework of India-Central Asia partnership. India and Uzbekistan also considered regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The meeting, held in Tashkent on August 7, 2023, was co-chaired by Secretary (West) of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Sanjay Verma and Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhromjon Aloyev. Additionally, the Secretary (West) called on the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov. They strategized on the India-Uzbekistan economic and defence partnership.

Director of Uzbekistan Post Alisher Faizullayev, along with Secretary (West) Verma released a commemorative postal stamp on India’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

An Indian cultural finale was held in the amphitheatre of the Eternal City of Samarkand, where artists from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture, Tashkent, and Uzbekistan’s Haavas group entertained the audience. Secretary (West) was the Chief Guest of the event. This was done to mark the formal closing of India's Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.

In recent years, India has focused on building stronger links with Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan.

The 1st India-Central Asia Summit held in January 2022. Hosted by India in a vvirtual format, it was attended by Presidents of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Republic of Uzbekistan. This first India-Central Asia coincided with the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Central Asian countries.

The leaders discussed far-reaching proposals to further cooperation in areas of trade and connectivity, and development cooperation, in addition to defence and security.

During a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on September 16, 2022, India and Uzbekistan discussed entering into long-term arrangements to promote trade and investment. Connectivity was considered key to unlock the potential in this regard, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had said.