During the meeting, President Draupadi Murmu warmly welcomed the Uzbek Foreign Minister and his delegation. She emphasized that India-Uzbekistan relations are not limited to modern diplomacy, but are rooted in the centuries-old Silk Road trade route. According to a press release issued by the President’s Secretariat, the two countries share a deep shared heritage of architecture, language, cuisine, music, and cultural traditions, which further strengthens the mutual trust between the two nations. The main focus of this visit has been to promote economic and trade cooperation.
The India-Uzbekistan Business Forum held during this high-level visit is a strong testimony to the growing trust between the business communities of the two countries. President Murmu expressed strong confidence in the immense potential for cooperation in key areas such as the mining sector, especially rare earth minerals, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and information technology (IT). Furthermore, both leaders expressed their appreciation for education and professional exchanges. India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program and scholarship schemes have directly benefited over 3,000 Uzbek officials and students so far. Additionally, over 16,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan, serving as a strong bridge between the two countries.
At the end of the meeting, both sides reiterated their commitment to peace, stability, and strategic cooperation in Central Asia. Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyar Saidov’s visit to India from August 2 to 5 is proving to be a new direction for the friendship between the two countries. The agreements reached during this high-level dialogue on trade, technology, and culture will prove to be a milestone in the geopolitics of South and Central Asia in the future.