New Delhi, June 6: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a key meeting with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in New Delhi on Thursday, highlighting the shared commitment to countering terrorism and enhancing cooperation in key sectors including trade, connectivity, investment, and energy.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, reflected the growing depth of India-Uzbekistan relations. Both ministers emphasized the need to tackle the common challenge of terrorism that threatens regional peace and security.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar posted, “Pleased to meet @FM_Saidov of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Spoke about the common challenge of terrorism for our regions. Also discussed our cooperation in connectivity, investment, trade and energy sectors. Concluded a Program of Cooperation, reflective of our commitment to further our Strategic Partnership.”
Foreign Minister Saidov also expressed his optimism about the evolving relationship between the two nations. He stated that the meeting underscored the “deep historical and cultural bonds between Uzbekistan and India,” while focusing on ambitious plans to elevate bilateral trade and broaden strategic cooperation.
“We also signed the Programme of Cooperation between Foreign Ministries for 2025-2026,” Saidov wrote on X, adding that their dialogue aimed to enrich “dynamically expanding ties in all areas.”
Saidov arrived in Delhi to participate in the fourth edition of the India-Central Asia Dialogue. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the minister via a post on X, confirming that he would be involved in several bilateral engagements during his visit.
The India-Central Asia Dialogue is being hosted by Jaishankar and includes participation from foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This multilateral platform aims to enhance collaboration in trade, connectivity, technology, and regional development.
According to the MEA, the dialogue is a vital part of India’s engagement with its ‘Extended Neighbourhood’ and helps advance ties with Central Asian nations. The last edition was held in New Delhi in December 2021, and the first India-Central Asia Summit took place virtually in January 2022.
The ministers are expected to deliberate on regional security challenges, economic integration, and shared global concerns, reinforcing the spirit of friendship and mutual trust that defines India-Central Asia relations.
