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Ambassador’s Speech at the Reception on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day of India

January 27, 2025 | 1830 hrs | Hotel Hyatt Regency

Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, dear friends, and fellow citizens of India,

A very warm and heartfelt welcome to each one of you!

This year, India proudly commemorates 75 years of becoming a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic Republic. The Constitution of India, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, laid the foundation for an inclusive democracy and has since remained the bedrock of India’s socio-economic transformation. As our Hon’ble Prime Minister rightly stated, the Constitution is our guiding light—it is the spirit of India.

As I complete my seventh month in this beautiful country, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the warmth and hospitality of the Uzbek people and our friends in the diplomatic community. The deep civilizational and cultural ties between India and Uzbekistan have made this journey especially enriching. And yes—I have thoroughly enjoyed the plov, somsa, and naan here—culinary delights that beautifully mirror India’s own food culture.

Last year, India successfully conducted its General Elections, the largest democratic exercise in the world, with the participation of nearly 650 million eligible voters. The Election Commission of India managed this colossal task efficiently, employing advanced technologies and transparent processes, reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to democratic values.

The year also witnessed important developments in India-Uzbekistan bilateral relations. A significant highlight was the meeting between Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and Hon’ble President of Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October. Uzbekistan’s participation as a Partner Country in BRICS marked a pivotal step in deepening South-South cooperation. We were also pleased to welcome Uzbekistan’s engagement in the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit, particularly in the Trade and Environment Ministerial sessions.

In September, Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman visited Uzbekistan. During her visit, she and H.E. Mr. Jamshid Khodjayev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to foster long-term investment cooperation. The jointly inaugurated India-Uzbekistan Business Forum attracted over 150 companies. Earlier that month, I had the privilege of leading a delegation of Indian business leaders to Nukus, further advancing regional trade and connectivity.

Other notable visits included the Chief Justice of India, Comptroller and Auditor General, and the Tourism Minister of Goa. During Uzbekistan’s Parliamentary Elections in October, the Chief Election Commissioner of India and Indian observers contributed to the process as part of our electoral cooperation.

We achieved significant progress in enhancing people-to-people ties. With the introduction of new flight routes, Indian tourism to Uzbekistan more than doubled—though we know the potential is far greater. Education links also expanded, with four Indian universities establishing campuses in Uzbekistan and close to 9,000 Indian students currently studying here.

We partnered on environmental initiatives such as Yashil Makon and Plant 4 Mother. In collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, the Embassy organized a plantation drive at our Cultural Centre. I am proud to share that the Indian diaspora in Uzbekistan has planted over 20,000 trees, a remarkable contribution to sustainability. Many of those community leaders are here with us today—thank you for your dedication.

In the defence sector, the sixth edition of Joint Military Exercise Dustlik was successfully conducted in Termez. In April, the Chief of Army Staff of India visited Uzbekistan and inaugurated an IT and Cybersecurity Lab at the Academy of Armed Forces in Tashkent—an important milestone in our defence cooperation.

Bilateral trade reached approximately USD 870 million by November 2024 and is on track to touch USD 1 billion by the end of the fiscal year. Indian investments grew by 81%, especially in pharmaceuticals, IT, and agriculture. However, we recognize that connectivity remains a key challenge. Uzbek products have a natural market in India, but logistical bottlenecks continue to hamper access. I am pleased that both countries held a Joint Working Group meeting on Chabahar Port in Mumbai in November 2024 to address this issue.

Our cultural cooperation continued to flourish. We are thankful to the Uzbek authorities for installing a bust of the legendary actor Raj Kapoor at Alisher Navoi Cinema Palace. A week-long film festival featured the jointly produced film Ali Baba and 40 Thieves, reflecting our cinematic collaboration. Uzbekistan’s participation in International Day of Yoga in June, with over 3,000 enthusiasts, alongside Hon’ble Sports Minister Mr. Ikramov, was truly inspiring. Several Uzbek cultural troupes and film artists also participated in festivals in India, enriching our people-to-people connections.

India’s development cooperation expanded with the provision of computers to 125 schools in Syrdarya Region, and with ongoing projects such as an Allergological Centre in Tashkent and an agriculture project in Kashkadarya Region. Moreover, around 170 Uzbek nationals visited India under various capacity-building programmes in 2024.

Dear guests and friends,

As we look to the future, there is much to be optimistic about. Several high-level visits are planned in the coming months, and we are committed to further enhancing our partnership across all sectors. People-to-people ties, built on trust and shared values, will remain the guiding force in our cooperation.

In her address on the eve of Republic Day, the Hon’ble President of India highlighted the crucial role of women and youth in shaping the country’s destiny. She pointed out that nearly 60% of new teachers in India over the last decade are women—a truly heartening development that reflects our social transformation.

In conclusion, as we celebrate the 76th Republic Day of India, I extend my sincere gratitude to all of you for joining us in this celebration. Let our friendship continue to deepen and thrive with each passing day.

Thank you. Rahmat!

Olg‘a, Hindiston va O‘zbekiston! Bizning do‘stona aloqalarimiz abadiy bo‘lsin!

Ambassador’s Speech at Inauguration Ceremony of Film Festival

Aziz do’stlar va hurmatli mehmonlar,

It is with great privilege that I, on behalf of the Embassy of India, extend a warm welcome to all of you as we celebrate womanhood – Sashakt Nari – through cinema. I express my sincere thanks to Mr. Shukhratulla Rizayev from the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan, the Centre of Cinematography Development, and the Palace of National Cinematic Art of Uzbekistan for their splendid support.

Our esteemed guests from India need no introduction. Ms. Saiyami Kher, Mrs. Gauri Shinde, Mr. Abhishek Bachchan and Mr. R. Balki—we couldn’t have had a better delegation today as we organize the Women Film Festival in Tashkent.

Most of us know they have worked together to create one of the finest movies on a woman’s grit, resilience and determination amidst the agony and pain of being rendered handicap in an accident – Ghoomer. It’s a moving story of a sportswoman and how Anina, with the support of her coach Paddy, re-establishes her worth. The film has justly won several awards, and as we celebrate the cause of womanhood, we unanimously selected Ghoomer for the inauguration.

I am delighted that sportswomen including Olympic champion Svetlana Osipova and Ozoda Sobirjanova have joined us. I am also honoured by the presence of Paralympic champions Naimova Guljanoi and Isokova Ziyodakhon, and women representatives from the Public Association of Disabled People (Inclusive Life).

Thank you to the dear women MPs including Ms. Mavlyuda Khodjaeva, Ms. Gulrukh Agzamova, Ms. Mukhtarova Nazira, Deputy Sports Minister Mr. Makhmudov Shakhrillo, my friends from the diplomatic community and international organizations including the UN, members from the Committee of Family and Women, friends of India, media, artist community, and especially people’s artist and hero of Uzbekistan Ms. Munojat Yulchieva. Your gracious presence means a lot to us.

Indian cinema and actors have remained immensely popular in Central Asia, especially in Uzbekistan. Stalwarts like Raj Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, and Mithun Chakraborty continue to live in people’s hearts. Just about three months ago, we commemorated Mr. Raj Kapoor’s birth centenary and thank the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan for installing a bust in his honour at the Alisher Navoi Cinema Palace.

This four-day film festival dedicated to women highlights both the bilateral cooperation in cinema and the greater cause of womanhood. As we endeavour to ensure that women have greater say and voice—especially on issues that impact them—good cinema can be such a transformative experience.

I vividly remember watching iconic movies being screened in this festival—Ghoomer, English Vinglish, Thappad—and coming back feeling both empowered and pensive. In fact, within three months, we are screening English Vinglish twice in Uzbekistan. There’s no doubt that powerful cinema is always an immersive experience, bringing to light issues often unspoken or brushed aside.

I am glad we are among actors and filmmakers who have boldly highlighted such important issues, challenged gender roles, and contributed to a noble cause. Their films have helped facilitate honest conversations on women—their rights, struggles for empowerment, sense of being, needs, and aspirations.

We all understand that a woman’s journey toward empowerment needs men to be supportive as well. Just a few days back, we attended a wonderful event and heard the Hon’ble President’s thoughts on women’s empowerment, rights, and education. I commend Uzbekistan’s efforts in this regard.

In India, government initiatives continue to focus on eliminating gender-based discrimination and violence, creating an enabling ecosystem for women to thrive as agents of social and economic change. The private sector, NGOs, and cinema have all played significant roles in this journey.

While all this continues, I have no doubt in saying that cinema’s power to question stereotypes and drive change is unique and unparalleled. As a recognition of this, we have invited stalwarts from the Indian film industry.

Thank you all, Ms. Saiyami Kher, Ms. Gauri Shinde, Mr. Abhishek Bachchan and Mr. R. Balki for joining us despite your busy schedules. I am especially happy that Ghoomer, a movie on a woman cricketer’s journey, is being screened at a time when India and Uzbekistan are cooperating in cricket and building cricket infrastructure.

During your brief stay, I am sure you have sensed the strong bonds of friendship between India and Uzbekistan. Indian cinema continues to play a commendable role in bringing our people closer. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on this very important subject.

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