PM Narendra Modi arrives in Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, Modi met with President Islam Karimov-who has visited India five times since coming into power in 1991-as well as with Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has served in that position since 2003. “So, during this visit, we will strengthen our defence and security cooperation in the region”.

Modi’s visit will be the first by an Indian prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to a region linked by history with India. Delhi is a part of the club of 12 largest economies of the world whose GDP exceeds one trillion dollars. “It has exponential possibilities and will help India realise its full potential”.

“Besides, while certain hard issues remain unsettled, it is still an open question as to when the two countries will completely settle on the track of healthy cooperation, especially with the backdrop of border disputes”, the article stated.

“For the development and strengthening of trade and economic relations, we have held ministerial and consular consultations”.

“This is a responsibility that India and Central Asian nations owe to our shared inheritance and to the future of our region”. Throughout the various statements, India and Uzbekistan noted global threats and challenges-whether financial instability or extremism. Uzbekistan also reaffirmed its support to India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UNSC.

In Ufa, the summit of the five BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – comes as the board of governors of the BRICS bank, called the New Development Bank, holds its first meet in on Tuesday.

“The Prime Minister’s initiative (to visit 5 CARs) is an extremely good one”, said Sergei Karmalito, senior Counsellor at the Russian embassy.

“We have a strategic partnership with Tajikistan and have very strong defence cooperation as well”. India’s experience and success in promoting a syncretic and pluralistic culture among its diverse population can be of great value to Central Asia.

According to Indian government data, trade between Central Asia and India was worth less than $800 million in 2012-2013.

“Such public diplomacy will also play a constructive role in the relationship between India and China”.

They, however, also pointed out that such a meeting between the leaders might not be construed as restart of formal parleys between India and Pakistan. But, we will also restore our physical connectivity for trade, transit and energy. However, our economic cooperation has been limited and the scope of growth is vast.

In such a scenario, Modi decided to visit the Central Asian countries to offer the economic benefits of a huge Indian market and to seek gas, minerals and oil.

“The cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy is developing along constructive lines”. “It already has a 25 percent stake in the Satpayev exploration block and a joint working group may soon be established”, said Pattanaik.

“In addition, the populations of the two countries do not see each other as friends”.