USI Organised a round table discussion “Uzbek-Indian Partnership in ensuring Regional Peace and Stability: Challenges and Prospects” with Uzbekistan delegation on 28 Sept 2018 at USI. The welcome remarks were made by Lt Gen P K Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd), Director USI. It was followed by opening remarks and presentation by H.E. Mr. Vladimir Norov, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and (& Secretary General Designate SCO). In his presentation he highlighted the fact that India and Uzbekistan are pursuing an active and peaceful foreign policy aimed at strengthening stability in Central and South Asia.
Shri Asoke Mukerji, IFS (Retd) made a presentation on “Assessments of Challenges and Prospects of Regional Security in Central Asia,” in which he discussed the issues of Afghan security, Taliban factor, Indo-Pak rivalry, drug trafficking. He also emphasised the role of youth population in the two countries and their prominent role in nation building. In the Subsequent presentation, Mr Akmal Burkhanov, Director, Development strategy center, MP, Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Republic of Uzbekistan made a presentation on “Strategy of Actions, as a new step of Uzbekistan’s development,” in which he highlighted the new Uzbek policy for sustainable development and the five priority areas of the current government. Later, Prof Nirmala Joshi gave a talk on “Prospects of Co-operation on Regional Connectivity, Trade and Transit.” She highlighted Chinese ambitious connectivity policies, the importance of Russia, Eurasia, and the Indo-Pak connectivity issues. In the final presentation, Shri SR Tayal, IFS (Retd) gave a presentation on “Appraisal of Indo-Uzbek Relations and the Way Forward,” in which he brought to the fore the growing ties between India and Uzbek relations in multiple sectors.
Post the discussion, a book jointly edited by USI and ISRS on the topic “India-Uzbekistan Partnership in Regional Peace and Stability: Challenges and Prospects,” was released. The book was edited by Maj Gen Rajiv Narayanan, AVSM, VSM (Retired), Distinguished Fellow USI, Dr. Batir Tursunov, ISRS and Mr Gaurav Kumar, Associate Fellow USI. The chapters include An Assessment of Challenges and Prospects of Regional Security in Central Asia, Uzbekistan’s View was presented by Rustam Khuramov, and Indian Perspective was given by Ambassador Asoke Kumar Mukerji; Role and Approach of Uzbekistan in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Afghanistan – Uzbekistan’s View was expressed by Bakhtiyor Mustafayev, Role and Approach of India in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Afghanistan – India’s View was presented by Major General BK Sharma, AVSM, SM and Bar (Retd); Prospects for Cooperation on Regional Connectivity, Trade and Transit between India and Uzbekistan – Uzbekistan’s view was offered by Rustam Makhmudov, whereas Indian View was presented by Nirmala Joshi; Effective Management of Islamic Radicalisation of Youth –Uzbekistan’s view by Timur Akhmedov, whereas Indian perspective is given by Dr Adil Rasheed; Appraisal of Indo-Uzbek Relations and Way Forward -Uzbekistan’s View was expressed by Prof. Mirzokhid Rakhimov, and Indian Appraisal was presented by Amb Skand Tayal. Lt Gen P K Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd), Director USI made the closing remarks.
