OREANDA-NEWS. July 07, 2011. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan, UzA correspondent talked to the Charge d`Affaires of the Republic of India Muraleedhar Babu.

– Mr Muraleedhar Babu, what are the current status and perspectives of ties between Uzbekistan and India? Would you tell us about the ongoing joint project?

– India has very close and friendly relations with Uzbekistan. These relations based on deep historical and cultural ties are growing stronger and stronger with passage of time. Both India and Uzbekistan have similar views on bilateral, regional and global issues and are committed to work together for economic development of the countries and promotion of international peace. The relations between the countries are developing on a consistent and practical partnership which aims at producing the best results in achieving prosperity of the people of the two countries while working towards global peace and stability. There has been regular exchange of high level visits between India and Uzbekistan. Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh visited Uzbekistan in April 2006, and in May 2011 President of Uzbekistan Mr Islam Karimov visited India. During the recent visit to India of the head of Uzbekistan, many important agreements relating to cooperation between our states were sighed.

Uzbekistan exports to India cotton, leather, foodstuffs, construction materials, non-ferrous metals and a range of services, and imports from India pharmaceuticals, mechanical and electronic equipment, foodstuffs and plastic products. In 2010 trade between the two countries amounted to USD 150 million. There are about 60 joint ventures organized with participation of Indian investments in Uzbekistan, mainly in the sectors of textiles, pharmaceuticals, food processing, vehicle spare parts, tourism, agriculture, construction, trade and services.

– Given the proximity, traditions and values of our people, what can you say about the cultural links between the two countries?

– Cultural relations between India and Uzbekistan are age-old. Cultural interaction between the two countries was made possible by the Silk Route which dates back to 100 B.C. Spread of Buddhism in the earlier times and Islam and Sufism later between India and Central Asia, of which Uzbekistan is a part, was aided by the Silk Route. Cultural and linguistic affinities between India and Uzbekistan have only grown stronger with the passage of time. There are a number of common words in spoken Hindi and Uzbek languages. Indian music, dance, cinema and Yoga are very popular in Uzbekistan. Hindi is taught in a number of schools and Universities in Uzbekistan.

An Indian Cultural Centre under the Indian Embassy was opened in Tashkent in 1995. In 2005 this centre was named Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture. One of the main objectives of the centre is to promote cultural interaction between the people of Uzbekistan and India. The centre organizes several programmes to help popularization of Indian culture, music and dance. The centre also imparts training in Yoga. At present there are two full-time Indian teachers in the centre for teaching Yoga and Kathak, which is a popular Indian classical dance. In addition to these, the centre also conducts classes in Hindi language.

Uzbek and Indian artists regularly take part in a number of festivals and exhibitions organized in both countries. Indian musicians and singers have been participating in the international music festival Sharq Taronalari held in Samarkand every year. Last year an Uzbek musical and dance troupe participated in the Saurajkand Mela in Haryana, India.

– How do you assess the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan in the years of independence for the country`s development and further enhancing the welfare of the people, and their results?

– Through consistent socioeconomic reforms carried out after its independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has been able to achieve remarkable success in proving a high quality of life to its citizens. Success achieved by the country in the fields of health, education, sports, culture and in infrastructure development is commendable. Uzbekistan is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Its GDP has been able to grow at the of 8-9% during the recent years when many countries in the world were hit by economic recession.

– How do you evaluate the initiative of the President Islam Karimov to strengthen peace, stability and security in Central Asia?

– Uzbekistan is one of the most important and influential states of Central Asia. True to its leading position, it has taken a lot of efforts in maintaining stability, peace and security in Central Asia. Uzbekistan`s fight against terrorism and religious fundamentalism is a story of success and its leadership under President Islam Karimov deserves much appreciation in this regard. I believe that continuation of these efforts will contribute for maintaining stability and peace in the region.

Taking this opportunity, I congratulate the government and people of Uzbekistan on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan and wish for happiness, peace and prosperity to the nation.