Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Uzbekistan : Key Points to Note

In Uncategorized
July 7, 2015

Narendra Modi in Uzbekistan – On his first visit to Central Asian countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed three agreements with Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov in Tashkent. These agreements will boost cooperation between their foreign offices and in the field of culture and tourism. Modi was received at the airport by his counterpart Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev and was accorded a ceremonial welcome.

Mr. Modi and Mr. Karimov discussed ways to enhance strategic, economic and energy ties apart from reviewing key regional issues including the situation in Afghanistan. From Neighborhood first to ‘Act East’ from ‘Link West to Indian Ocean diplomacy’ now the focus is on ‘Reconnect Central Asia’.

Narendra Modi in Uzbekistan – Key Points to Note

Both countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation in defense and cybersecurity.
The two leaders also discussed ways to implement the contract for the supply of uranium from mineral-rich Uzbekistan signed in 2014. The pact was signed for supply of 2,000 metric tonnes of the yellow cake.
PM Modi invites Uzbekistan to join international North-South transport corridor and says India’s presence in SCO will strengthen the organization.
Mr. Modi said President Karimov was also supportive of strengthening ongoing cooperation in the areas of agriculture, information technology, and energy.
India lauded Uzbekistan’s support for India’s membership in SCO and permanent membership of UNSC.
Both countries have expressed their intention to strengthen coordination between the law enforcement agencies and special services.
The two countries noted the importance of promoting long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships among their business communities, companies, and enterprises.
During the delegation-level talks, the two countries also agreed to explore various options to enhance surface connectivity between them.
The two sides recognized tourism as an important area of bilateral cooperation and agreed to implement practical measures.
India and Uzbekistan reaffirmed that the United Nations must play a central role in maintaining global peace and security, assisting common development and advancing international cooperation.

From Uzbekistan, Mr. Modi will go to Kazakhstan on Tuesday (July 7′ 2015). He will then travel to Russia on July 8, before flying to Turkmenistan on July 10, Kyrgyzstan on July 11 and Tajikistan on July 12.

Tidbits

Indian movies have traditionally been popular in Uzbekistan.
Uzbek radio completed 50 years of Hindi broadcasting in 2012.
Tashkent is one of the centers of Indology in the world and has historical significance for Indo-Pak ties since the Tashkent Declaration was signed there in 1966.
It was in Tashkent that India lost one of its most popular and respected leaders, former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri.
A vibrant Indian community numbering nearly 3000 lives in Uzbekistan.