Big number of business entities are successfully operating in India while more than a hundred joint ventures contribute to boosting trade-economic relations between these countries in Uzbekistan. Recently the International Indian Trade exhibition was held where representatives from both India and Uzbekistan concluded contacts on mutual cooperation and increasing trade turnover in spheres like manufacturing, medicine, information and communication technologies as well as technical means for agriculture. Bhargav Mitra, Indian Consul in Uzbekistan agreed to answer UT’s questions with respect to current state of Indo-Uzbek affairs.

- In his visit to Uzbekistan Dr. Singh, Indian Prime Minister noted the crucial role attached to the joint efforts by India and Uzbekistan for eradication of threats posed by International terror and religious extremism. How do you think the cooperation between the two states is likely to contribute to the stability in the region?

- India and Uzbekistan share a desire to improve bilateral trade and economic relations. Anti-terrorism efforts and development of cultural relations are also a key component of our mutual ties relations. The impetus to these efforts was lent by the visit of Uzbek President Islam Karimov to India in April 2005 and visit by Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Uzbekistan in April this year.
India and Uzbekistan are concerned about the growth of terrorism and religious extremism in the world as well as the security situation in Afghanistan. For India, Central Asian security is a vital issue and India favours peaceful Central Asia. Our two countries have a Joint Working Group (JWG) on terrorism which is successfully functioning.

- In numerous top level meetings between the two heads of states, the Presidents noted the insufficient level of collaboration and urged the foreign ministers and other corresponding organizations to foster economic ties and enlarge the spectrum of mutual exchange in experience. What do you think are the areas that still need boosting up?

Both the countries are in the process of identifying new areas of common interest. Besides, the existing areas of cooperation are being consolidated. There is interest to have greater cooperation in sectors such as oil and gas, mining and textile.

A leading Indian company in the gas sector, Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has been holding negotiations with the Uzbekneftegaz Company for cooperation in the gas sector. This cooperation was agreed upon between India and Uzbekistan during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Uzbekistan in April this year.

- The two countries have resolved to build on their centuries-old cultural and trade relations by forging a mutually beneficial economic co-operation in their respective areas of strength encompassing information technology, oil and gas sector. In your opinion, what reforms need to be realized in order for the two countries to develop the collaboration in these sectors?

- Our two countries are ascertaining the areas of common interest in these sectors. Further cooperation will be based on such assessment.
India has established a centre for information technology “Jawaharlal Nehru Uzbek Indian Centre for Information Technology” in the Tashkent University of Information Technology. Uzbek IT experts have been provided training in India at a leading IT company, C-DAC, and upon their return, they are helping aspiring Uzbek students acquire expertise in IT. Experts from C-DAC are extending a helping hand in this venture. As regards cooperation in the textile sector, recently the third largest Indian textile company, Spentex acquired two factories in Tashkent at an investment of US $ 81 million. This is the largest investment by India in Uzbekistan so far.