Uzbekistan, India look to counter terrorism

new delhi — India and Uzbekistan set an annual bilateral trade target of $1 billion to be achieved in two years and agreed to cooperate in counter-terrorism efforts as the two sides signed 17 agreements across a range of sectors following delegation-level talks led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev here on Monday.

They also agreed to further strengthen their Strategic Partnership and boost connectivity in a significant manifestation of India’s increasing engagements with Central Asia.

“We have agreed to strengthen trade and investment ties and have set a bilateral trade target of $1 billion by 2020,” Modi said in a joint address to the media with Mirziyoyev after the talks. “We have also decided to start negotiations for a preferential trade agreement.”

Bilateral trade stands at around $350 million now.

Modi said that India and Uzbekistan shared their vision and plans to further strengthen their strategic partnership. The IndiaUzbekistan relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership when then Uzbek president Islam Karimov visited India in 2011.

“Meaningful discussions were also held on regional issues of importance that are linked to our security, peace, prosperity and cooperation,” Modi said.

Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and other international forums.

In defence cooperation, Modi said India and Uzbekistan discussed joint military exercises and military education and training among other areas.

According to the joint statement, two two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation between their law enforcement agencies and special services, including under the framework of the Uzbekistan-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. —

17 Agreements are signed by India and Uzbekistan