NEW DELHI, Aug. 4 (ANI) — Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday and reaffirmed Tashkent’s commitment to strengthening its multifaceted partnership with India.
According to a press release from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Saidov said Uzbekistan places high importance on expanding political, economic, and parliamentary cooperation with India. Appreciating India’s democratic traditions, he said Uzbekistan could benefit significantly from the legislative experience of the world’s largest democracy.
Saidov emphasized that stronger parliamentary engagement would contribute to advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. He called for a shared vision to expand cooperation in trade, investment, joint projects, and emerging sectors.
Birla highlighted the centuries-old historical, cultural, and civilizational ties between India and Uzbekistan, saying these connections continue to provide a strong foundation for their enduring friendship.
He expressed confidence that growing political trust, expanding trade and investment, and increased people-to-people exchanges would further strengthen bilateral relations in the coming years.
The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on India-Uzbekistan relations, with a focus on parliamentary cooperation, trade and investment, education, culture, and regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Speaking about India’s democratic system, Birla said the country, as the world’s largest democracy, has a vibrant parliamentary framework that reflects the aspirations and diversity of its citizens. He noted that the 543-member Lok Sabha represents millions of people across the country and that India’s multiparty system allows space for diverse viewpoints and constructive debate.
Birla informed the visiting dignitary that Parliament meets in three sessions annually and that the ongoing Monsoon Session is actively deliberating on several matters of national importance.
The Lok Sabha Speaker also highlighted India’s achievements in infrastructure development, digital innovation, technology, connectivity, investment, and trade. He said India’s youth are increasingly taking leadership roles globally and that cooperation with leading universities and international institutions continues to grow.
Referring to the India-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group established in March 2026, Birla expressed confidence that the initiative would provide new momentum to legislative engagement and strengthen cooperation in economic, educational, cultural, and people-to-people sectors.
Birla also recalled his participation in the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Tashkent in April 2025, where he interacted with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbayeva, and Legislative Chamber Speaker Nuriddin Ismailov.
He said the high-level engagements laid a strong foundation for continued parliamentary cooperation between the two nations. Expressing satisfaction with the steady progress in bilateral relations, Birla hoped Saidov’s visit would further reinforce the comprehensive partnership between India and Uzbekistan.
To mark the occasion, Saidov presented Birla with a commemorative publication detailing the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union hosted by Uzbekistan. (ANI)
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