The meeting featured a substantive exchange of views on key issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on the importance of strengthening expert dialogue.

Javlon Vakhabov commended the steady progress in advancing the Uzbekistan–India strategic partnership. He noted that agreements reached at the highest level had laid a strong foundation for further expanding cooperation across the fields of economy, education, human capital development and regional connectivity.

Smita Pant emphasised that India closely monitors developments across Central Asia and expressed her appreciation for Uzbekistan’s leading role in advancing interregional cooperation.

Particular attention was given to the importance of strengthening expert and analytical support for the “Central Asia – India” format, including through joint research, expert consultations and the development of practical recommendations.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of further strengthening cooperation among think tanks within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as one of the priority areas for expert engagement.

In conclusion, both sides exchanged views on key aspects of the international agenda and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further advancing cooperation between IICA and relevant think tanks in India.

Background: The “Central Asia – India” format was established in 2019 to strengthen political, economic and humanitarian cooperation, including trade relations, with the five Central Asian states.