'Chess diplomacy': AICF chief on PM Modi gifting Sindarov’s WC sheet to Uzbek prez

Uzbekistan announced on Sunday a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day State visit to the Central Asian nation. The policy, unveiled by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during high-level talks with Modi at the Presidential Palace in Tashkent, aims to enhance people-to-people contacts, tourism, and business exchanges between the two countries. This marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties, which have grown steadily over the past decade. The agreement was reached during the delegation-level discussions between Modi and Mirziyoyev, who emphasized the importance of closer cooperation. Mirziyoyev described India as a “reliable strategic partner,” citing the rapid growth of bilateral trade, which surpassed one billion US dollars for the first time last year. He noted that the number of joint ventures between the two nations has increased sevenfold in recent years, with 14 direct flights operating weekly between the countries. Cultural institutions such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Indian Studies have played a key role in fostering deeper understanding and collaboration. Mirziyoyev also highlighted the increasing popularity of yoga in Uzbekistan, noting that the country has had a dedicated Yoga Federation since 2018. A nationwide Yoga Festival was recently held across the nation in June. The president expressed hope that the new visa policy would contribute to the expansion of cultural, educational, and economic ties between the two nations. The move is expected to ease travel for Indian citizens, encouraging more tourists and business professionals to visit Uzbekistan. India and Uzbekistan established formal diplomatic relations on March 18, 1992, when the protocol establishing ties was signed in Tashkent. India was among the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan’s sovereignty following its independence from the Soviet Union. The two nations upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2011, backed by institutional mechanisms to ensure regular dialogue and coordination at both political and official levels. Modi’s current visit, taking place from August 29 to August 30, follows previous engagements, including his trips to Uzbekistan in 2015, 2016, and 2022, during which he attended Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summits. High-level exchanges between the leaders have continued, with Mirziyoyev visiting India in 2018 and participating in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2019. These interactions underscore the shared interests of both nations in regional stability, economic development, and multilateral diplomacy. After concluding his visit to Tashkent, Modi will proceed to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to take part in the 26th SCO Summit. This summit will commemorate 25 years of the organization, highlighting the enduring significance of regional cooperation. The new visa-free regime is anticipated to complement these efforts by making travel between India and Uzbekistan more convenient, thereby supporting the mutual goals of boosting tourism, enhancing trade, and promoting cultural exchange. The policy reflects the broader trend of improving bilateral relations through practical measures that benefit ordinary citizens and businesses. As the two nations continue to deepen their ties, initiatives like the visa-free regime signal a commitment to long-term collaboration and shared prosperity.