Month: March 2026

Remarks at Inauguration Ceremony of Indian Film Festival 2026
Hotel Hyatt Regency, Tashkent; March 12, 2026

1. Welcome to the 2nd edition of the Sashakt Nari – an Indian Film Festival dedicated to women, their resilience, grit and aspirations. Let me first thank Mr. Shukratulla Rizayev, Director of the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan and Palace of National Cinematic Art for their incredible support. Mr. Umesh Mehra, the renowned Indian Film Maker is amongst us and needs no introduction in Uzbekistan. His film Ali Baba va Qirq Qaroqchi, a co-production between India and Uzbekistan could be actually referred to as a shared heritage. My heartfelt gratitude to all my women friends, Hon’ble Members of Parliament, friends from MOFA, representatives from the Ministry of Sports and Wrestling Federation of Uzbekistan, friends from the diplomatic community, representatives from the Committee of Women and Family Affairs, Business Association, film makers, artists and friends from the media for their presence and wonderful support.

2. India and Uzbekistan friendship is time tested. We have had continual exchanges of ideas, art and culture over centuries. Today, cinema has become one of the most powerful bridges connecting our people transcending language barriers and bringing together emotions and shared human experiences. As we talk on core issues relating to women, I recall the words of Erkin Vohidov who said, “Ayolga ta’zim Ayol dunyoning ko‘zgusi, Ayol qalbning eng nozik nidosi” – Woman is the mirror of the world, Woman is the finest voice of the heart. Zulfiya, one of the prominent female voices in Uzbek literature said, “Bahor keldi seni so‘roqlab, Salom aytib o‘tdi shamollar” – Spring has come, inquiring about you, greeting you, the winds have passed by.

3. Friends, last year we showcased movies challenging gender sensitivity and stereotypes, issues relating to single mother and her challenges, struggle of a para-athlete and her fight for recognition. This year we bring an equally diverse mix of movies on women fighting gender biases to become successful wrestlers, Dangal movie is based on real life. Dear Zindagi is about mental health and emotions that we often hesitate to talk about. Tanvi the Great is a story of a young women’s resilience, Tanu Weds Manu is a hilarious and entertaining story of a woman who does not fit in, does not confirm to stereotypical norms. I hope these movies will make us reflect, generate and encourage honest conversations on women, their rights, their needs and their sense of being. I do strongly feel that issues relating to women deserve our collective energies and joint efforts. In India, a country of 1.4 billion people where women constitute about half of our population, tremendous efforts are underway. Things have changed on the ground towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment. We still have more work to do. In Uzbekistan, as we celebrate the spirit of Women’s Day, I recall the words of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev who has referred to women as creators of Yangi Uzbekistan and has repeatedly emphasized their role in country’s development. I am happy that we will be having a panel discussion in which the experts would speak on how women can transform social narratives and perspectives through cinema. I also want to mention that India and Uzbekistan are exploring new avenues of cooperation between women entrepreneurs, women players including hockey, wrestling and football. Also wanted to inform that we have amongst us women representatives from the Ministry of Finance who will be visiting India for the Women Leadership Programme. Under our capacity building exchanges, over the last few years, 2700 Uzbek nationals have visited India and more than 40% of them have been women. Our efforts will continue.

Last but not the least. Belated wishes to all of you my dear friends on International Women’s Day.

Yana bir muhim narsa. Aziz do‘stlarim, barchangizni o‘tib ketgan bo‘lsa-da, Xalqaro xotin-qizlar kuni bilan tabriklayman.

Hindiston va O’zbekistaon do’stona aloqalari abadiy bo’lsin!

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Remarks by Ambassador at ITEC Day 2026

Hotel Hilton, Tashkent; March 6, 2026

1. It is an honour to stand before you today as we celebrate the 61^st Anniversary of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program – ITEC. Since 1964, ITEC has been one of the cornerstones of India’s foreign policy, rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family. We view this partnership as a partnership of shared knowledge and mutual growth.
2. As we look at our bilateral relationship, the ITEC numbers tell a story of extraordinary momentum. Over the 30-year history of our partnership, more than 2,700 Uzbek professionals have participated in ITEC. However, the most striking statistic is this: over 1,100 of those candidates, nearly 43% of our historical total, were trained in just the last five years. This massive acceleration signals that India and Uzbekistan are not just partners; we are accelerating together into a new era of capacity building.

3. ITEC is uniquely designed for working professionals and government officials. When an ITEC scholar returns from India, they bring back expertise that is immediately applied to Uzbekistan’s home institutions.

4. People often ask: “Is ITEC keeping up with the times?” My answer is a resounding yes. While we continue to offer our world-class traditional courses in banking, finance, and management, we have pivoted sharply toward the future. In the last two years, Uzbek professionals have been training at prestigious institutes like IIT Kanpur in courses like Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Machine Learning, Digital Health, Robotics, Big Data, and Solar Energy. We are ensuring our cooperation is as modern as the new Uzbekistan itself.

5. I am particularly proud to highlight our progress in gender inclusivity. For the second year in a row, more than 40% of our participants have been women. This is not a coincidence; it is a consistent reflection of our shared “Empowered Woman” initiatives and commitment to inclusive growth.

6. To meet this growing demand, India currently offers nearly 200 slots per year for Uzbekistan. And let me be clear: while we have set numbers, our commitment is flexible. If the requirement grows, we are fully prepared to increase these seats to match your ambitions.

7. Sixty-one years ago, ITEC began as a small seed. Today, it has grown into a massive tree of cooperation. The fact that nearly half of our three-decade success has occurred in just the last five years proves that our best days are ahead of us. To our ITEC alumni – you are the permanent bridges connecting our two great countries.  We wish you all success in your future endeavours.

8. I am happy to inform you that the Embassy of India in collaboration with the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan, is organizing the second edition of women-centric Indian Film Festival ‘Sashakt Nari-Celebrating Womanhood’ showcasing five films – featuring women in lead roles overcoming challenges and adversities through courage and resilience. The film screenings will be held from March 13-15, 2026 at the Palace of National Cinematic Art, 15 Alisher Navoiy, Tashkent. You are all invited to attend.

Wishing you all a Happy ITEC Day once again!

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