India has announced a partnership with Uzbekistan worth $1 million to support efforts to restore the Aral Sea region. This was reported by Sibi George, Secretary (West) of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, during a press briefing following the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Uzbekistan.
According to George, leaders of the two countries noted the similarity between Uzbekistan's 'Yashil Makon' initiative and India's 'Plant for Mother' program. Both countries are implementing measures aimed at greening and ecological restoration.
In this regard, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Uzbekistan will receive $1 million through the grant program of the Indian government designated for restoration work in the Aral Sea region.
Commenting on the significance of this initiative, George emphasized that this partnership is extremely important given the serious environmental problems in the region, such as desertification, soil salinization, and the spread of salt and dust from the exposed seabed. He added that India's support through the grant program will assist Uzbekistan in its efforts for reforestation and ecological restoration of the affected territory.
The diplomat stressed that this initiative is a 'concrete expression' of the convergence of Uzbekistan's 'Yashil Makon' program and India's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, and it confirms the commitment of both countries to the principles of environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation measures.