Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 7-8 July, ISMI hosted meetings with representatives of a number of analytical centers of India, who arrived in Uzbekistan as international observers for early presidential elections. In particular, negotiations were held with the President of the Institute for Global Studies Ashok Sajanhar, Professor of the Center for the Study of Russia and Central Asia at the Jawaharlal Nehru University Rashmini Koparkar, an expert at the Vivekananda International Foundation Research Center Skand Tayal.

During the talks, an open exchange of views took place on topical issues of the international and regional agenda, climate change. Further prospects for Uzbek-Indian relations were discussed. The parties also shared ideas on potential areas of cooperation between ISRS and Indian think tanks.

Indian colleagues highly appreciated the electoral process organized in Uzbekistan for the election of the President of the country, compliance with international standards and practices in this area. We shared our opinion on the importance of democratic elections as the cornerstone of a prosperous society, noting the great role of international cooperation in this area.

Experts spoke positively about the progress and results of large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan, which in the future will become the guarantor of well-being, both for every citizen of the country and for the entire Uzbek people.

The role of Uzbekistan in the consolidation of the Central Asian region was especially emphasized, expressed in Tashkent’s large-scale efforts to open borders, resolve border issues and develop intra-regional trade.

In this context, attention was drawn to the fact that the Central Asian region, turning into a space of dialogue, good neighborliness, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, has significantly increased its resistance to internal and external challenges, creating the necessary prerequisites for progressive sustainable development.

During the talks, special attention was paid to the political situation in Afghanistan. The importance of joint work to promote the establishment of peace, social and economic development of this country was emphasized.

The experts shared India’s experience on the issue of adaptation to the effects of climate change, noting the relevance of further deepening the Uzbek-Indian cooperation in the field of combating the consequences of natural disasters, "smart" agriculture, including through the expansion of joint training of specialists in these areas.

Based on the results of the meetings, the parties confirmed their interest in deepening partnerships. Agreements were reached on the further development of cooperation between the ISMI and think tanks in India.

Vivekananda International Foundation is an Indian think tank focused on analyzing key political, economic and social trends in India and internationally. It was established in 2009. The headquarters is in New Delhi. Within the framework of the fund, research centers for foreign policy, security, economics, and civilizational development operate.

The Institute of Global Studies is one of the leading Indian research centers that is engaged in global research in the field of international relations, studies the development of the regions of Central and South Asia, the Middle East and Western Asia.

The Center for the Study of Russia and Central Asia is one of India’s leading centers for the study of Russia, Central Asia and other post-Soviet countries.