An official reception was held at a high level in the Indian capital of New Delhi to mark the 35th Anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The prestigious event brought together over 350 guests, including high-ranking Indian government and parliamentary officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in New Delhi, prominent representatives of the business community, academic and civil society leaders, as well as Uzbek compatriots residing in India.
Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Rudrendra Tandon, attended the solemn evening as the Chief Guest. Among the distinguished attendees were Ganesh Singh, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and Chairman of the India–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Mayank Singh, Head of Department at the Ministry of External Affairs.
Opening the event with a welcoming address, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to India, Sardor Rustambaev, elaborated on the solid state institutions established during the years of independence, major investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as the country’s gradual integration into global markets.
Particular emphasis was placed on the profound transformations carried out under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev since 2016 aimed at building a “New Uzbekistan,” which have played a decisive role in opening the economy, strengthening the private sector, and enhancing the well-being of the people.
The presentation highlighted key economic indicators demonstrating Uzbekistan’s progress:
- Economic Growth: In 2025, Uzbekistan’s GDP grew by 7.7%, exceeding 147 billion US dollars (with a national target of approximately 167 billion US dollars for 2026).
- Investment and Employment: Foreign investment reached 43.1 billion US dollars, while the unemployment rate declined to 4.9% and the poverty rate dropped to 5.8%.
It was underscored that India occupies a special and vital place in Uzbekistan’s foreign relations. Marking both the 35th anniversary of independence and the 15th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership established in 2011, the year 2026 witnessed a historical milestone as bilateral relations were elevated to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Event participants were briefed in detail on the results of the State Visit paid by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to Uzbekistan on August 29–30 of this year and the high-level negotiations held in Tashkent.
In his congratulatory address, MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon recalled the age-old historical and cultural ties between the two nations and reaffirmed the firm resolve to further expand strategic cooperation:
- The leaders of the two countries set an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade to 5 billion US dollars by 2030 and agreed to hold a joint business summit.
- Cooperation in critical minerals, uranium supplies, economic security, defence, digital public infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy remained at the core of the discussions.
- India announced a 1 million US dollar grant to support Uzbekistan’s environmental rehabilitation efforts in the Aral Sea region.
As part of the solemn ceremony, attendees were presented with a special edition of Business Central Asia magazine dedicated to the 35th Anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence. The warm interactions throughout the evening demonstrated the keen interest of the Indian public in the positive transformations and reforms in New Uzbekistan.
The reception featured a vibrant cultural program with national music and dance performances. Guests were served traditional Uzbek pilaf, prepared in cooperation with JSC “Uzbekistan Airways” and “Centrum Air”, as well as fresh and dried fruits brought directly from Uzbekistan.
The grand event in New Delhi served as another vivid demonstration of the rapidly evolving friendship, mutual trust, and multifaceted partnership between Uzbekistan and India, deeply rooted in shared history and looking toward the future.
