New Delhi [India], August 3 (ANI): In a significant move to deepen bilateral strategic and economic ties, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.The high-level meeting underscored the expanding partnership between New Delhi and Tashkent, touching upon trade, rare earth critical minerals, educational exchanges, and shared civilizational roots.Welcoming the foreign minister and his delegation, President Murmu pointed out that the bond between India and Uzbekistan goes back centuries, connected by ancient Silk Road trade routes.”India and Uzbekistan share deep historical, cultural, and civilizational ties, rooted in ancient trade routes,” read the President’s Secretariat press release.President Murmu emphasised that this “shared heritage in architecture, language, cuisine, music, and religious traditions has further strengthened bilateral partnership.”Highlighting the economic dimension of the visit, which includes an India-Uzbekistan Business Forum organised on the sidelines, the President expressed strong confidence in commercial collaboration across critical sectors:”The presence of high-level leaders in the visiting Uzbek delegation and the organisation of an India-Uzbekistan Business Forum on the sidelines of the visit reflect the growing confidence of businesses of both sides in each other’s markets,” added the release.President Murmu further noted that there is “immense potential for cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in the mining sector, particularly in rare earth minerals, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.”The President lauded the thriving educational and professional exchange programs that serve as the backbone of bilateral relations. Over 3,000 Uzbek officials, professionals, and students have benefited from India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training courses and scholarship programs. More than 16,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher studies in Uzbekistan.”They act as a bridge between the two countries and foster mutual understanding and strong people-to-people ties, added the release.Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation across Central Asia, agreeing that “discussions held during this visit will further strengthen the bonds of friendship, trust, and cooperation between our two nations.”Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov arrived in New Delhi for a high-level official visit to India spanning from August 2 to 5. (ANI)(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)