His Excellency President Islam Karimov, President of Uzbekistan, Members of the Media,
I am delighted to be in the historic and beautiful city of Tashkent. It carries the warmth of familiarity that comes from sights and stories we grow up with.
I thank President Karimov and the people of Uzbekistan for their very warm welcome and hospitality.
It is a pleasure to meet President Karimov. He has led with great vision and wisdom to steer Uzbekistan’s progress and advance peace and prosperity in the region.
Today, I have embarked on a five-nation tour of Central Asia. It reflects our resolve to start a new era in our relations with Central Asian Republics.
Our relationship with the region has ancient roots and has left a strong imprint on both. It now occupies a significant place in India’s future.
I have begun my journey in Uzbekistan. This underlines this nation’s importance for India, not just in the context of this region, but also more broadly in Asia.
In recent years, India and Uzbekistan have built a strategic partnership on the foundation of mutual respect and shared interests.
This includes expanding economic cooperation, combating terrorism, advancing stability in the region and promoting regional integration.
President Karimov and I had very cordial and productive discussions. His perspectives will be of immense benefit to me in the days ahead.
I share President Karimov’s desire to raise the level of our economic engagement. I conveyed to him that there is a strong interest in Indian business to invest in Uzbekistan. There is immense potential in a broad range of areas in Uzbekistan. I have urged him to make the process and the policies for Indian investments here smoother. President responded positively to my suggestion.
President was also supportive of strengthening our ongoing cooperation in the areas of agriculture, Information Technology and energy.
We also discussed steps needed to implement the contract for supply of uranium from Uzbekistan signed earlier.
President Karimov and I discussed various initiatives to further enhance connectivity between India and Uzbekistan.
I briefed him about the International North South Transport Corridor and proposed that Uzbekistan consider becoming a member. I sought his support for India joining the Ashgabat Agreement.
I am pleased with the agreements in the areas of Culture and Tourism, because they will bring our people closer.
Few countries can match Uzbekistan in nurturing Hindi and Indian culture. Tomorrow, I look forward to meeting a vibrant group of Indologists and Hindi linguists.
India will expand cooperation in capacity building through increase in the number of training offers in India. Consistent with our commitment, the Uzbekistan-India Information Technology Centre has been upgraded this year.
I welcome President Karimov’s assurance to ensure speedy completion of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre being set up in Tashkent.
We also discussed regional and international issues, including the situation in Afghanistan. We also have shared concerns on the rising threat of extremism and terrorism in our extended neighbourhood.
We agreed to intensify security cooperation and exchanges. The bilateral Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism will meet later this year. We also agreed to strenghen cooperation in defence and cyber security.
We look forward to working together within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Tomorrow, I will be paying a visit to the Monument of Independence and Humanism and the Memorial of Late Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. We are thankful to the people of Tashkent and Uzbekistan, for preserving the legacy of our former Prime Minister.
This has been a very rewarding visit. It has sown the seeds of a rich harvest in the years ahead.
I look forward to the opportunity of receiving President Karimov in India.
Thank you again for your hospitality and a wonderful meeting. Thank You.
Celebrating India's Growth Story under the Leadership of PM Modi
Transforming Mumbai, transforming Maharashtra, transforming India! 🇮🇳
— Manika Rawat (@manikarawa46306) November 9, 2024
With the vision and dedication of Hon. PM @narendramodi ji, we’re witnessing progress like never before, paving the way for a brighter, stronger India!#TransformingIndia #NewIndia pic.twitter.com/uhtKQvHDh6
SBI crosses a remarkable milestone with deposits surpassing ₹50 lakh crore and net profit up by 28%! Kudos to Hon. PM @narendramodi ji for policies fostering robust financial growth and a resilient banking sector that empowers every Indian. https://t.co/R3fez55sBy
— Pooja Singla (@SinglaPooja3) November 9, 2024
India is set to become a $35 trillion economy in the next 25 years and may rise to the world's third-largest economy in just three years.
— Shivam Sharma (@upshivamsharma) November 9, 2024
Thanks to PM @narendramodi for his visionary leadership in driving this growth! pic.twitter.com/OiynAFLchd
PM Modi's vision #MakeInIndia is on d positive path. Apple Inc 2set up 1st subsidiary in India 4R& D. The Cuperting-based company has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary in India, named Apple Operations India. New subsidiary will support 3rd party manufactures,provide services pic.twitter.com/UuoxTy44qj
— Rukmani Varma 🇮🇳 (@pointponder) November 9, 2024
Kudos to PM @NarendraModi for launching the 10,000th Jan Aushadhi Kendra! Your vision to make healthcare affordable & accessible is transforming lives. Bokaro villagers & millions more thank you for affordable medicines & quality care https://t.co/kHheYctBMg
— Vanshika (@Vanshikasinghz) November 9, 2024
#JalJeevanMission
— Zahid Patka (Modi Ka Parivar) (@zahidpatka) November 9, 2024
Kudos PM @narendramodi Ji#DrinkingWater4All
160 mn rural families have access to tap water now
Over 24 lakh women have been trained to test water quality using Field Test Kits, with more than 54 lakh water samples tested so farhttps://t.co/lXgjXzMae5@PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/OvzpmdnkXc
PM @narendramodi visionary Ayushman Vay Vandana Card initiative is a game-changer for senior citizens. With full coverage for preexisting conditions from day one, and free healthcare up to Rs 5 lakh, over 6 crore elderly will benefit and 30,000 hospitals nationwide ensure quality pic.twitter.com/DmpFEIJtUy
— Vimal Mishra (@VimalMishr29) November 9, 2024
Prime Minister @narendramodi rightly honors Ratan Tata for his immense contribution to making India a better, kinder, and more hopeful place. His visionary leadership and philanthropy continue to inspire generations. https://t.co/OL06uzxDVz
— Prerna Sharma (@PrernaS99946384) November 9, 2024
India's Academic Prowess, Global Recognition
— दिनेश चावला (@iDineshChawlaa) November 9, 2024
India has become the most represented country in the QS World University Rankings, with 162 universities listed. India also topped the QS Asia University Ranking, with 7 Indian universities in the top 100.
Kudos team @narendramodi
👏👏 pic.twitter.com/g8baPqHyRy