Afghan theatre: India, Uzbekistan decides to hold regular consultations on evolving situation; terror threats

India and key Central Asian state of Uzbekistan that borders Afghanistan have decided to maintain close contact and regular consultations over the Afghan theatre. Uzbekistan and India have also discussed the need to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan is not allowed to be used for any terror activities.

During the just concluded visit of Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi to Tashkent, the two sides dwelt upon the importance of maintaining close and regular consultations on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and the need to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan is not allowed to be used for any terror activities. Lekhi conveyed India’s full support to the current Uzbek Presidency of the SCO in 2022. Uzbekistan’s role will be critical in maintaining stability and fighting radicalisation in the region.

The MoS met with Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov during which they touched upon important areas of bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. She emphasised on expeditious implementation of development projects in Uzbekistan under the $ 1 billion Line of Credit. Both sides also agreed for concluding their ongoing negotiations at the earliest for the proposed Bilateral Investment Agreement, officials informed.


During the visit, MoS also met with the Culture Minister of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov. They had a productive discussion on further intensifying cooperation in different spheres of culture given the deep cultural and civilisational connect between India and Uzbekistan. These included cooperation in the field of archives, films, preservation of Buddhist sites, creation of ‘India Study Rooms’ in different Universities of Uzbekistan, translation of literary works etc. The Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2021-25 was signed during the visit. A 50-member strong Indian delegation comprising film personalities of India will be participating in the Tashkent Film Festival next week.

The MoS had a number of speaking engagements during her visit. These included a lecture on ‘India’s democratic traditions’ at the Tashkent State University of Law and an address on ‘India-Uzbekistan relations- Strengthening Strategic Partnership’ at the Bukhara State University as part of " Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. She met distinguished indologists from the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies and other institutions and discussed ways to further promote India studies and philosophy in Uzbekistan.