On December 11, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi, via videoconference.

The summit agenda included issues of further deepening the political dialogue, enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, investment, financial, technical, education, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres. Views were also exchanged on the situation in the world and prospects for regional cooperation.

Welcoming each other, the leaders emphasized that holding this online event demonstrates the high level Uzbekistan – India strategic partnership, as well as an opportunity to “check the clock” and jointly identify new growth points for effectively coping with the consequences of the pandemic.

It was noted with satisfaction that thanks to regular contacts at the highest level and practical steps in recent years, a breakthrough has been achieved in the development of multifaceted cooperation, which has been filled with concrete practical content.

Active exchanges continue. Joint meetings of Coordination Committee and Intergovernmental Commission, political consultations, as well as the Second Meeting of Central Asia – India Dialogue were successfully held this year.

The trade turnover is growing. Despite the global crisis, the trade turnover has increased by seven percent since the beginning of this year.

Important projects and programs are being implemented in investment, innovation, healthcare, education, and other priority areas. In recent years, the number of joint ventures has tripled, and branches of leading Indian universities (Amity in Tashkent and Sharda in Andijan) have been opened in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan and India have close positions, interact closely and support each other within the framework of international and regional organizations, including the UN, the SCO and other structures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sincerely congratulated the President of Uzbekistan on the election of the country to the UN Human Rights Council, which, in his words, is an international recognition of democratic transformations being carried out in Uzbekistan.

During the negotiations, the leaders called for the continuation of a trust-based and systematic dialogue in the political sphere, including conduction of regular consultations and the adoption of a medium-term program of cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries. It was proposed to intensify inter-parliamentary cooperation.

Recalling that both India and Uzbekistan have a mutually identified target of USD 1 billion for bilateral trade, the leaders stressed on the importance of making concerted efforts to achieve this target.

An agreement was reached to work together to create favorable conditions for the growth of mutual trade and eliminate technical barriers and restrictions on this path.

Main attention was paid to the formation of efficient transport corridors and logistics infrastructure, and the resumption of air traffic.

Issues of promoting promising investment projects, including those involving advanced technologies, technical assistance and preferential financing of leading Indian organizations, were also discussed. The priority areas are agriculture, innovation, alternative energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, information and communication technologies and space research.

The leaders agreed to enhance interregional contacts based on the successful partnership between Andijan and Gujarat.

In the humanitarian sphere, the sides will support joint programs in education and training, cinematography, development of exchanges between youth organizations, studying national culture and language, and restoration of historical heritage sites.

It was proposed to create modern medical centers in the regions of Uzbekistan with the introduction of Ayurveda traditional Indian system and telemedicine. The Indian side will support the activities of National Yoga Federation in Uzbekistan.

Current issues of countering modern challenges and threats to security and stability were also discussed at the meeting. The importance of continuing close coordination and exchanging information was noted. Mutual support was expressed for international efforts for an early peaceful settlement in Afghanistan.

Following the meeting, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reiterated the invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan next year.

The leaders expressed their deep satisfaction with the results of online talks, which were held in a traditionally open, constructive and trusting atmosphere, as well as demonstrated the huge potential of bilateral cooperation.

Following the summit, the sides adopted a Joint Statement on Close Friendship and Strong Partnership between Uzbekistan and India.

A number of bilateral documents were also signed during the meeting in the economy, innovation, financial-technical assistance, customs and technical regulation of trade, training personnel and conducting joint scientific research.

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