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Interaction with the Visiting Delegation from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in New Delhi
Report
On 2nd March 2023, the Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulation (CS3), the United Service Institution of India (USI), hosted an interaction with Dr Eldor Aripov – Director of Institution of Strategic & Regional Studies, and Amb. Doniyor Kurbanov, Director of the Information and Analytical Center for International Relations (CIRS), Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The delegation also included Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of India – H.E. Mr. Dilshod Akhatov along with, Mr. Azamjon Mansurov. The Indian side, included the Maj Gen BK Sharma,AVSM, SM and Bar (Retd), Director General USI, Maj Gen RPS Bhadauria, VSM (Retd), Director CS3, Amb. Reena Pandey (Retd), Amb. Skand Ranjan Tayal (Retd), Maj Gen Rajendra Singh Yadav, VSM (Retd), and Dr Roshan Khanijo.
The agenda for the discussion broadly centred on India-Uzbekistan bilateral relations, regional security, connectivity issues and instability in Afghanistan. The two sides discussed the Afghanistan situation and emphasised the importance of continued engagement by the international community in Afghanistan. It was deliberated that stability in Afghanistan is important, as Afghanistan provides connectivity between South Asia and Central Asian Republics (CARs). Some solutions suggested included, enhancing trade and dialogue with Afghanistan. The two sides also discussed Ukraine crisis, as also expressed their willingness to work together on various global issues.
The Indian side also discussed bilateral issues, such as connectivity issues, including Uzbekistan as a non-signatory to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Uzbekistan delegation recognised the importance of the INSTC project and expressed their positive intentions to join the INSTC.