Tuesday 04 / August / 2026
NEW DELHI: India and Uzbekistan have identified rare earth minerals as a promising new area of cooperation as President Droupadi Murmu hosted Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister, Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, reaffirming both countries' commitment to deepening their strategic partnership.
Welcoming the visiting minister and his delegation, President Murmu said India and Uzbekistan share deep historical, cultural and civilisational ties rooted in the ancient trade routes that connected the two nations. She noted that their common heritage in architecture, language, cuisine, music and religious traditions continues to strengthen bilateral relations.
The President highlighted significant opportunities to expand cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in rare earth minerals, alongside agriculture, pharmaceuticals and information technology.
Murmu also welcomed the growing economic engagement between the two countries, noting that the presence of senior Uzbek leaders and the India-Uzbekistan Business Forum held alongside the visit reflected increasing confidence among businesses and a steadily expanding trade and investment partnership.
Emphasising the importance of educational and capacity-building links, the President said more than 3,000 Uzbek officials, professionals and students have benefited from India's Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and scholarship initiatives.
She further noted that over 16,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan, describing them as an important bridge between the two countries that strengthens people-to-people ties and promotes greater mutual understanding.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of India and Uzbekistan to broaden cooperation across strategic sectors while building on their longstanding friendship and expanding economic and educational partnerships.
