Daijiworld Media Network - Tashkent

Tashkent, Aug 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fourth visit to Uzbekistan has highlighted the deepening civilisational, cultural and strategic ties between India and the Central Asian nation.

The relationship between the two countries extends beyond traditional diplomatic engagement, with growing people-to-people connections reflected in cultural exchanges, yoga diplomacy and the popularity of Indian films and Bollywood music in Uzbekistan.

India and Uzbekistan share longstanding historical and civilisational links, while educational exchanges have provided another important dimension to bilateral relations. Cooperation has also expanded across sectors including pharmaceuticals, information technology and agriculture.

Defence cooperation remains a key pillar of the relationship. The two countries conduct the annual joint military exercise DUSTLIK, which provides their armed forces an opportunity to enhance interoperability and exchange operational experience.

India also provides training opportunities to Uzbek military personnel through various Indian defence training institutions, strengthening defence and institutional ties between the two countries.

During Prime Minister Modi's visit, members of the Indian diaspora and local artists extended a warm welcome to him, reflecting the strong cultural affinity and people-to-people links between India and Uzbekistan.

The visit underlines India's growing engagement with Central Asia and the importance New Delhi attaches to strengthening its strategic, economic, cultural and defence partnerships with Uzbekistan.

The expanding cooperation is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and deepen India's engagement with the wider Central Asian region.