India, Uzbekistan can expand rare earth ties: Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said there is immense potential for cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in the mining sector, particularly in rare earth minerals, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.

During a meeting with Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who had called on the president at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, Murmu said that the two nations share deep historical, cultural, and civilisational ties, rooted in ancient trade routes.  She said that the shared heritage in architecture, language, cuisine, music, and religious traditions has further strengthened bilateral partnership.

The president said that 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.

She also highlighted the immense potential for cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in the mining sector, particularly in rare earth minerals, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and information technology, according to a statement issued by the President’s office.

Murmu was happy to note that more than 3,000 officials, professionals and students from Uzbekistan have benefited from our ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) training courses and other scholarship programs.

At the same time, over 16,000 Indian students are pursuing higher studies in Uzbekistan, the president said.

She underlined that they act as a bridge between the two countries and foster mutual understanding and strong people-to-people ties.  The two leaders agreed that discussions held during this visit will further strengthen the bonds of friendship, trust, and cooperation between our two nations, the statement said.