India, Uzbekistan to deepen strategic partnership across key sectors
India and Uzbekistan have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership by expanding cooperation in defence, trade, mining, energy, infrastructure, education, and culture. The decision was taken during a comprehensive review of bilateral ties held by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. The two leaders also discussed key regional challenges and exchanged views on expanding their multilateral cooperation.
Jaishankar said India considers Uzbekistan as part of its extended neighbourhood. He noted that bilateral trade currently stands at nearly $1 billion and expressed confidence that it would grow significantly in the coming years. He also emphasized India's interest in expanding cooperation in the mining sector.
He further said India and Uzbekistan share common perspectives on several regional and global issues, particularly when it comes to confronting terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking. He said ‘we deeply appreciate that the government and people of Uzbekistan have taken a strong stand against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations’.
