Uzbekistan thanked India for support in WTO accession

India and Uzbekistan have reached an agreement to enhance the level of educational interaction, which will include the exchange of teachers and students, joint scientific research, and university partnerships. This was announced 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, education is a significant component of bilateral partnership. Currently, about 16,000 Indian students are studying medicine in Uzbekistan, and four Indian universities have branches in the country. George noted that, with an existing base, they have now agreed to elevate cooperation to a higher level, implying the creation of partnerships between individual universities of the two countries.

The diplomat also mentioned that the Indian Prime Minister spoke about GIFT City—a special zone that India is opening for branches of foreign universities—and noted that this is viewed as another opportunity for educational cooperation.

Following the visit, the Indian Prime Minister announced the establishment of 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Uzbek students who have shown the best academic results in Hindi. This initiative is timed to the 60th anniversary of the death of the former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent.

It was also announced that the Sanskrit department of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) will open at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. George explained that this measure will strengthen the long-standing academic and civilizational ties between the two states.

Speaking about opportunities for youth, the diplomat emphasized that the strategic development programs of both countries share common goals: Uzbekistan's program until 2030 and India's 'Developed India - 2047' program. He added that common objectives of economic progress create additional opportunities for cooperation and the emergence of new jobs for youth in both countries.

Negotiations took place in the 'Kuksaroy' residence between the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. The parties noted the significance of this meeting, which elevated bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

To ensure more coordinated work, it was decided to create a special mechanism at the level of foreign ministry leaders, as well as to strengthen interaction through friendship parliamentary groups, an Intergovernmental Commission, and a Business Council.

The leaders discussed in detail opportunities to expand economic and trade cooperation. Last year, trade turnover between the two countries exceeded the $1 billion mark for the first time, and the number of joint ventures increased sevenfold. As a result of the negotiations, it was decided to work towards reaching $5 billion in mutual trade volume by 2030.

Promising areas for industrial cooperation were identified, including energy, metallurgy, electrical engineering, critical minerals, as well as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and jewelry manufacturing. Furthermore, regional partnerships are actively developing between Andijan region and Gujarat state, Fergana region and Haryana state, and between Samarkand region and Agra.

Currently, 14 direct flights operate weekly between the countries, and there are four Indian universities located in Uzbekistan. A five-year Cultural Exchange Program is planned to be signed to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties, along with regular film festivals and Culture Days.

The parties also reviewed the international agenda and reaffirmed their readiness to continue providing mutual support in structures such as the UN, SCO, and BRICS. Following the negotiations, it was instructed to prepare 'roadmaps' with clear timelines and responsible persons for all key areas of cooperation.

The Romanian Ambassador congratulated the people of Uzbekistan on the 35th anniversary of the republic's independence. On behalf of the Embassy of Romania in Tashkent and personally, he sent warm congratulations, noting that over the years of sovereignty, Uzbekistan has achieved significant successes and taken a worthy place on the international arena.

The Ambassador recalled past cultural diplomacy events of the Embassy of Romania in Tashkent dedicated to Uzbekistan's Independence Day. He mentioned that ahead of the 32nd anniversary of independence, he made a video address on the Pulatkhan plateau (altitude 2823 meters), and for the 31st anniversary, he conquered the Hazrat Sultan peak (4083 meters) in Kashkadarya region. Furthermore, before the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence, he climbed the Bolshoy Chimgan (3309 meters).

These actions in various locations across Uzbekistan served as a symbol of respect, friendship, and admiration for the country's beauty and spirit. The Ambassador expressed joy that these symbolic moments resonated with many Uzbek citizens.

He noted the great honor he feels in being among those awarded the commemorative badge '35th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan,' which was established by Presidential Decree. The Ambassador viewed this award as a sign of high trust and an incentive to continue productive work. He thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan for creating favorable conditions for fulfilling his mandate and expressed sincere joy at the opportunity to work in this country.

During his stay, he concluded that the main value of the Republic of Uzbekistan lies not in natural resources such as cotton or gold, but in its people. Cooperation between Romania and Uzbekistan demonstrates successful development in all areas. The parties maintain active political and diplomatic dialogue based on mutual respect and trust.

The Ambassador recalled that on October 6, 2025, Romania and Uzbekistan celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He also noted that data from the National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics indicates a substantial increase in trade turnover between the two countries in recent years. Strengthening ties with Uzbekistan is one of Romania's priority areas in Central Asia, and he looks to the future with great optimism.

In conclusion, he congratulated all citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Independence Day, wishing them peace, prosperity, good health, and success in achieving all good goals.