NEW DELHI, Aug. 3 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu met with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtiyor Saidov, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to strengthening strategic and economic cooperation.
The high-level meeting focused on expanding bilateral ties in trade, critical minerals, education and other areas while highlighting the longstanding historical and cultural relationship between India and Uzbekistan.
Welcoming Saidov and his delegation, Murmu said the relationship between the two countries dates back centuries through the ancient Silk Road trade routes.
“India and Uzbekistan share deep historical, cultural, and civilizational ties, rooted in ancient trade routes,” the President’s Secretariat said in a press release.
Murmu said the two nations’ shared heritage in architecture, language, cuisine, music and religious traditions has further strengthened their bilateral partnership.
Highlighting the economic dimension of the visit, including the India-Uzbekistan Business Forum held alongside the official meetings, the president expressed confidence in expanding commercial cooperation.
“The presence of high-level leaders in the visiting Uzbek delegation and the organisation of an India-Uzbekistan Business Forum on the sidelines of the visit reflect the growing confidence of businesses of both sides in each other’s markets,” the release said.
Murmu also noted the significant potential for cooperation in mining, particularly in rare earth minerals, as well as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and information technology.
The president praised the growing educational and professional exchanges between the two countries. According to the President’s Secretariat, more than 3,000 Uzbek officials, professionals and students have participated in India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training and scholarship programs, while more than 16,000 Indian students are pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan.
“They act as a bridge between the two countries and foster mutual understanding and strong people-to-people ties,” the release said.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation and agreed that the discussions would further strengthen the friendship, trust and partnership between India and Uzbekistan.
Saidov arrived in New Delhi for a four-day official visit to India from Aug. 2 through Aug. 5. (ANI)
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