Narendra Modi leaves on Central Asia, Russian Federation visit

President Karimov and I discussed various initiatives to further enhance connectivity between India and Uzbekistan.

A BSF jawan was killed when Pakistani troops opened sniper fire at Indian forward post along the Line of Control in Baramulla of North Kashmir, officials said.

Addressing a joint press event, Modi said,”I have begun my journey in Uzbekistan underlining its importance for India, not just in this region, but also in Asia”.

Talks during Modi’s visit would focus on terrorism, which is a common concern in all five CARs, and tackling the rising influence of terror groups like the Islamic State.

“Indian movies, language & music are very popular in Uzbekistan”. In May India signed an agreement with Iran to develop the Chabahar port in the southeast of the country. “This visit will allow us to bring the strategic partnership on the path of long-term development through the expansion of trade, economic, technological and investment cooperation”. The Prime Minister will be holding extensive talks with the Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Wednesday after which the two countries are likely to ink a number of pacts including in the field of energy.

Both sides also welcomed the proposal to set up telemedicine links connecting medical institutions in Uzbekistan and India for consultations. The publication – titled “India Central Asia Relations: The Economic Dimension” and edited by Amiya Chandra – explains how important it is for India to handle its relationship with Central Asia as the successful handling will have a “bearing on the continued emergence of the country as a global player”.

“The success of connectivity through and across Central Asia is important”. The region’s geo-political situation is also unique (as well as complex).

In this context, Modi will need “much diplomatic skill and even more purposeful policies to seize the new geopolitical opportunities in the region and overcome the many traditional constraints on Delhi’s regional engagement”, said C. Raja Mohan, a political analyst at the Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation. Uzbekistan also reaffirmed its support to India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UNSC.

“In an age of globalization, Asia can not remain fragmented”. Without mentioning China’s One Belt, One Road strategy by name, Modi referenced the “surge of interest in reconnecting Asia with itself and beyond” and placed India firmly at the crossroads.

“We are doing everything possible to make enterprise and innovation easier”.

“We will all work together to build the Silk Route of the 21st century”.