India, Uzbekistan sign 17 pacts in security, tourism, health & space $ 200m credit line to Uzbekistan
Modi announced $ 200m for projects in Asian nation ◗ The historical Mughal- era linkages between the two countries were also strengthened in the form of an MoU
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a $ 200 million line of credit for social infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan as India inked 17 pacts with the Central Asian country, including those for visafree travel for diplomatic passport holders and cooperation in the fields of tourism, national security, training of diplomats and combating trafficking. Mr Modi and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held delegation level talks and agreed to collaborate in the fields of military education, agriculture, health and medical science and cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space.
After talks between visiting Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, the two nations inked 17 pacts, including in the fields of military education, development of pharmaceutical industry, combating the illicit trafficking narcotic drugs and cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes. The two countries also agreed to strengthen ties in “diverse sectors such as political ties, defence, security, counter- terrorism, trade and investment, science and technology, space, nuclear energy, information technology, as well as cultural and academic linkages”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $ 200 million line of credit for social infrastructure projects in the central Asian nation, adding that Indo- Uzbek ties were a “meeting of emotions and hearts”. “We are moving towards a new era where our bilateral ties will touch new heights and we will strengthen our strategic partnership,” said PM Modi.
The historical Mughalera linkages between the two countries were also strengthened in the form of an MoU between Samarkand City in Uzbekistan and the Agra Municipal Corporation as well as an MoU between the Andijan Region in Uzbekistan and the Gujarat government on establishment of mutual cooperation and partnership. The first Mughal emperor in India, Babur, was born in Andijan in modern Uzbekistan. “The ( two) sides welcomed the establishment of partnership relations between the Andijan region and the state of Gujarat, as well as cities of Samarkand and Agra,” the Joint Statement said.
It added, “The Indian side thanked the Uzbek side for their support in India’s membership of the Ashgabat Agreement, and expressed hope that Uzbekistan would also join the International North South Transport Corridor.”