India and Uzbekistan elevate strategic partnership, set five billion dollar trade target

During his fourth visit to Uzbekistan, the Prime Minister, in a joint press statement with the President, pledged to take bilateral relations to new heights. Both nations have decided to elevate their strategic partnership to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.' The Prime Minister noted that India and Uzbekistan share similar aspirations, with youth, innovation, and modern technology at the core. An ambitious target has been set to increase bilateral trade, which currently exceeds one billion dollars, to five billion dollars by 2030.

New areas of cooperation include digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, clean energy, space, and nuclear energy. Both countries will also leverage each other's strengths in agriculture and health. An agreement on traditional medicine and Ayurveda will strengthen joint efforts. Furthermore, there are plans to establish direct connections between cities and states of both nations to promote urban management, education, and tourism.

On the defense and security front, both countries agreed on a 'zero tolerance' policy against terrorism, extremism, and separatism. Cooperation between defense industries for co-production and development will be encouraged. Special initiatives will be taken to preserve cultural heritage, including the protection of Buddhist heritage sites. Scholarships have been announced to promote the Hindi language.

Cooperation in sports is also growing. The Prime Minister extended his best wishes for the upcoming Chess Olympiad and stated that traditional games like Kurash and Kabaddi will bring new energy to the partnership. The Prime Minister conveyed greetings from India on the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence. He expressed confidence that a stronger India-Uzbekistan partnership will prove to be a powerful force for peace and progress in Central Asia.