India and Uzbekistan recently conducted the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi. The discussions primarily focused on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, technology, innovation, energy, and education. Both countries also addressed various regional and global issues of mutual interest during the meeting.
The consultations, co-chaired by Secretary (West) Sibi George from India and Mr. Bakhromjon Aloev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, covered a wide range of topics. These included reviewing the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, emphasizing trade, investment, tourism, technology, innovation, energy, educational cooperation, cultural exchanges, and consular matters. Additionally, the officials exchanged perspectives on regional and global matters of shared concern.
India and Uzbekistan have a longstanding historical relationship, with India being among the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan’s state sovereignty after its independence. The two nations signed a protocol on establishing diplomatic relations in Tashkent back in 1992. Their Strategic Partnership was formalized in 2011, further solidifying their ties and cooperation across various sectors.
During the same period, Bakhromjon Aloev, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, arrived in New Delhi to participate in the upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by India. The External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will lead the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting scheduled for May 14-15, under India’s chairmanship of BRICS in 2026. This year’s theme, ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,’ echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision outlined at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 2025.
