India and Uzbekistan Strengthen Ties in Fighting Terrorism, Defence, and Cyber Security

Strategic Insights -

India and Uzbekistan strengthened their ties in various areas, including fighting terrorism, defence, and cyber security, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov during his first stop on his Central Asian tour. Modi and Karimov discussed ways to boost connectivity and trade on uranium supplies to India. They also agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of defence and cyber security. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support to India's candidature for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Key Takeaways:

  • India and Uzbekistan agreed to boost cooperation in fighting terrorism, with a focus on counter-terrorism efforts under the framework of the Uzbekistan-India Joint Working Group.
  • Both countries discussed ways to implement the contract signed earlier for the supply of uranium from Uzbekistan.
  • Modi proposed that Uzbekistan become a member of the International North South Transport Corridor, a transport corridor that would link Central Asia to the seaports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
  • Modi also sought Uzbekistan's support for India's membership in the Ashgabat Agreement, a transport corridor that aims to link Central Asia to the seaports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
  • Uzbekistan expressed its support for strengthening ongoing cooperation in the areas of agriculture, information technology, and energy.
  • Modi and Karimov discussed regional and international issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, and shared concerns on the rising threat of extremism and terrorism in their extended neighbourhood.

Statistics:

  • Uzbekistan is considered one of the top foreign policy priorities of Uzbekistan, with President Karimov noting its importance in his joint statement with Modi.
  • India and Uzbekistan have signed agreements for furthering cooperation between their foreign offices, in the fields of culture and tourism, and in defence and cyber security.
  • Uzbekistan released a joint statement calling for UN reforms and reaffirmed its support to India's candidature for permanent membership of the UNSC.

Sources:

  • Sarkaritel (published by HT Syndication with permission)
  • SyndiGate Media Inc.