Opening remarks by Dr Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF

I would like to extend hearty welcome the delegation from Development Strategy Centre of Uzbekistan led by Mr Akmal Eshondedaevich Burkhanov. The interaction between the two sides will generate new ideas for taking forward India-Uzbek relations.

India and Uzbekistan have historical and cultural relations going back many centuries, even before the advent of Islam. There are frequent references to Kamboja, the ancient name in Sanskrit and Pali literature for the region which included parts of Uzbekistan. The ancient trade route, the Uttarpath, which is much older than the Silk Route, passed through Uzbekistan. Buddhism traveled to China through Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The people-to-people contacts between our countries are strong.

Global and Regional Environment

Indo-Uzbek relations need to be placed in the present global and regional context. The global environment is changing rapidly. The post-cold war order is in a state of flux. The rise of China has impacted Central Asia, South Asia, South-East Asia, East Asia and the Indian Ocean Region. China is also emerging as a global power. President Xi is considered to be the strongest leader since Mao. He has given priority to the realization of “China Dream” in keeping Chinese interests at the forefront. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been projected as an economic project but its underlying motive is to enhance China’s influence across the world. One branch of the BRI, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, passes through the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir. India has difficulties in endorsing the BRI on account of sovereignty reasons.

The situation in West Asia has become more complicated after the unilateral withdrawal of the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or the Iran Nuclear Deal. The US action has driven a wedge between the US and the EU. The US sanction on Iran will have huge impact on the investment and economy of the region.

The ongoing wars in Syria and Yemen continue to take heavy toll. The recent election in Iraq and Lebanon have also thrown up new political configurations. The violence in Gaza in the wake of the shift of the US Embassy to Jerusalem shows that the fault lines in the Middle East remain active. The Kurdish situation is also uncertain. Turkey can be expected to play the role of a strong man in the Middle East. The ongoing political and economic transformation in Saudi Arabia will also influence the situation in the Middle East. The ongoing truffle between Iran and Saudi Arabia remains a key driver of the Middle East situation.

The deterioration in Russia-US relations can harm global stability. The West has pushed Russia closer to China leading to the emergence of a Russia-China strategic partnership. The security situation in Afghanistan, unfortunately, shows no sign off let up. In our view, the sanctuaries and safe havens provided by Pakistan to the Taliban group is a key factor which needs to be addressed. The chances of political re-conciliation in Afghanistan remain uncertain. While the ISIS factor is relevant in Afghanistan, the first priority should be given to addressing the Taliban issue.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has become more representative with the inclusion of India. Indian brings on SCO table with vast experience in the field of democracy and development. India is committed to play a positive role in the further evolution of the SCO as an influential regional player. India would like to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with the SCO and its members. India would welcome cooperation with Uzbekistan in bilateral as well as SCO framework.

India-Uzbekistan Relations

India and Uzbekistan are strategic partners. But we need to fill in a lot of content in the partnership to make it truly strategic. Prime Minister Modi visited Uzbekistan in 2015. The two Presidents met un Astana in 2017. President Mirziyoyev’s visit to India is due in later part of this year. These contacts will undoubtedly strengthen strategic partnership between our countries.

Under the leadership of President Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Modi the two countries can look to a new phase in our relationship. The economic and commercial ties need to be strengthen further. The connectivity is a serious problem. However, with India joining the Ashgabat agreement of which Uzbekistan is a member, this issue can be addressed to an extent. Both sides could also consider enhancing mutual investments and looking at third country exports. India and Uzbekistan already have an agreement for uranium supplies. We could also explore enhancing cooperation in the exploration and production of rare earth elements. The two sides also consider enhancing cooperation in the field of science and technology.

Defence cooperation between the two countries can be enhanced. India already has a defence attaché in Uzbekistan. The prospects of setting up of defence manufacturing plants in Uzbekistan can be explored. The two sides can also explore higher level of defence training, border management and even joint exercises. Cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism can be considered.
President Mirziyoyev’s development strategy for the five years includes liberalization of economy and corresponds well with India’s own economic reforms. The two countries should look at the new opportunities provided by Uzbekistan’s new development strategy. Under President Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has enhanced engagement with other countries. This opens up opportunities for deeper engagement between our countries.

In our discussions we hope to generate ideas for Indo-Uzbek relations.

Thank you.