India, Uzbekistan ink 9 pacts; resolve to conclude investment treaty soon

India and Uzbekistan on Thursday signed nine agreements to brobase cooperation in an array of areas and agreed to step up efforts for an early conclusion of a bilateral investment treaty, at a virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In wide-ranging talks, Modi and Mirziyoyev strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed determination of ir countries to combat menace by "destroying" terrorist safe-havens, networks, infrastructure and funding channels, according to a joint statement.

Ways to speed up connectivity projects linking central Asia was a major focus of summit and Indian side welcomed a Uzbek proposal to hold a trilateral dialogue among India, Iran and Uzbekistan to promote connectivity through Chabahar port.

statement said two leers discussed situation in Afghanistan and noted that establishment of peace and stability in that country is of great importance to security and stability of entire region.

In his opening remarks, Modi said peace process in Afghanistan must preserve achievements of past two deces.

"We also have a similar approach on regional security issues. We agree that restoration of peace in Afghanistan requires a process that itself is led, owned and controlled by Afghanistan. It is also necessary to preserve achievements of last two deces," he said.

joint statement said India and Uzbekistan expressed ir unanimity in ir support for a united, sovereign and democratic Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Holding that current level of bilateral tre does not reflect true potential, two leers also instructed officials concerned to fast-track conclusion of an ongoing joint feasibility study that will pave way for commencement of negotiations on a preferential tre agreement, it said.

agreements signed are aimed at expanding cooperation in a range of areas including new and renewable energy, digital technologies, cyber security, community development projects, and in sharing of information on movement of goods.

statement said Indian side confirmed approval of USD 448 million of Line of Credit for four developmental projects in Uzbekistan in fields of ro construction, sewerage treatment and information technology. India h announced a USD 1-billion line of credit to Uzbekistan in 2018.

In his remarks, Modi also said that India wants to furr intensify its development partnership with Uzbekistan and expressed happiness that many projects are being considered in that country under Indian Line of Credit. He referred to cooperation between two countries in key areas of defence, space and atomic energy sectors.

"Our security partnership is becoming a strong pillar of bilateral relations. Last year, first joint military exercise between our armed forces took place. Our joint efforts are also increasing in areas of space and atomic energy," he said. Modi also said India was rey to share its expertise and experience with Uzbekistan as per its development priorities.

"India has great potential in areas such as infrastructure, IT, education, health, training and capacity building, which can be useful for Uzbekistan. establishment of a joint working group on agriculture among us is an important and positive step," he said.

Uzbekistan is a key country in Central Asia which India considers as its 'extended neighbourhood'. bilateral ties now encompass a wider canvas of cooperation including in areas of defence and security, tre and investment, energy, agriculture, education and science and technology.

" leers agreed that both sides should work towards an early conclusion of Bilateral Investment Treaty which shall facilitate investment promotion and protection for furr improvement of tre and economic cooperation," statement said.

Highlighting importance of connectivity projects to boost tre, Indian side said Chabahar post could be a fulcrum of connectivity to Central Asia. It also requested Uzbekistan to consider joining international North-South Transport Corridor.

On confronting threat of terrorism, two sides underlined need for every country to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks against or countries. Both sides called for an early finalisation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

joint statement said two sides called for comprehensive reform of UN structures including UN Security Council with expansion in both categories of membership.

Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support to India's candidature for permanent membership of UN Security Council and congratulated India on its election as a non-permanent member of body for term 2021-22. 

(Photo Credit: Twitter/amb_tashkent)