In a recent virtual summit, India and Uzbekistan have deliberated on strengthening their bilateral ties with the aim to expand cooperation in several areas such as new and renewable energy, digital technologies, cybersecurity, and information sharing. They also discussed plans for collaboration on connectivity projects in Afghanistan and its peace process, trilateral dialogue with Iran, and measures to combat terrorism.
Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation
Both nations are actively striving to reach a mutually identified target of USD 1 billion for bilateral trade, recognizing that the current bilateral trade level is far below their potential. Undertaking fast-track negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement, they aim to improve commercial links. Additionally, the conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Treaty will facilitate investment promotion and protection, further enhancing trade and economic cooperation.
The opportunities in the free economic zones of both countries were noticed, specifically in the Uzbek-Indian pharmaceutical zone in the Andijan region. Uzbekistan expressed interest in India’s ‘Make in India’ programme as a great potential for investing and manufacturing.
Development Cooperation
India confirmed the approval of a USD 448 million Line of Credit, dedicated for four developmental projects in Uzbekistan in the areas of road construction, sewerage treatment, and information technology.
Defence and Security Cooperation
The increased pace of bilateral defence cooperation was appreciated, along with more coordinated efforts between the law enforcement agencies and special services of the two countries. The joint military exercises held in November 2019 marked a significant step in this direction.
Civil Nuclear Energy
Both nations concluded a bilateral agreement between India’s Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and Uzbekistan’s Agency for Development of Nuclear Energy. This partnership aims at capacity building and promoting nuclear research.
Connectivity Enhancement
India and Uzbekistan reiterated their commitment to enhance connectivity to boost trade and investment in the larger Central Asian region. They also discussed potential collaboration on promoting connectivity through the Chabahar port via trilateral dialogue among India, Iran, and Uzbekistan.
Culture, Education and People-to-People Contacts
India extended an invitation to Uzbekistan to avail of increased scholarship opportunities provided by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme.
Counter-Terrorism Measures
Both nations strongly condemned terrorism and pledged to intensify efforts to eradicate terrorist safe havens, infrastructure, networks, and funding channels.
Afghanistan’s Peace Process
The Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process was endorsed, expressing unanimous support for a united, sovereign, and democratic Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
Reformed Multilateralism
The need for a reformed United Nations structure, including the Security Council, was mutually agreed upon. Uzbekistan backed India’s bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council and expressed appreciation for their close cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Covid-19 Pandemic Cooperation
The need for bilateral and global cooperation to fight the ongoing pandemic was emphasized, with special focus on the development and distribution of effective vaccines. India’s assistance in Uzbekistan’s fight against the pandemic was highly appreciated.
The Path Forward
Agreements reached during various bilateral visits have strengthened cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in diverse sectors such as political, trade and investment, defence, security, counter-terrorism, science and technology, nuclear energy, space, information technology and cultural and academic linkages. Both countries expressed confidence that the understandings and agreements will deepen their strategic partnership for mutual prosperity.
