Author: Harsha

Remarks by Ambassador during 3-day Online Module on Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence by SSIFS January 19, 2026

Ambassador Abdusamat Khaydarov, Director, University of World Economy & Diplomacy (UWED)

Ambassador R K Srivastava, Dean, Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS),

Ambassador Sardor Rustambaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India

Distinguished speakers, officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ladies and gentlemen,

This three-day module on Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence could not have been more timely particularly in context of regional and global geopolitical developments.

We have convened not just to discuss technology, but to understand how global strategic environment is being redefined in the 21^st century.  Tomorrow’s geopolitical outcomes will be shaped by understanding of information, data, networks, algorithms and the security of those systems.

I quote my Prime Minister here – AI is writing the code for humanity in this century.  It is reshaping our polity, economy, our security and shaping our society and sense of responsibility must guide us and therefore the need to collectively pool our resources and uphold shared values.

I am also recalling words of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev when he spoke recently at the expanded meeting of the Security Council:

“…Anyone who believes victory can be ensured solely through the number of tanks, aircraft, or soldiers is deeply mistaken. Today’s conflicts are waged using artificial intelligence, digital command and control systems, long-range precision strike capabilities, cyber and robotic technologies, as well as political and economic pressure.”

This statement is indeed a strategic diagnosis rooted in the realities of our interconnected age. States and non-state actors alike are leveraging digital tools not just for economic growth, but for influence, coercion, and even disruption of social cohesion. Cyberattacks, disinformation, AI-driven decision-making, automated systems – these are the battlegrounds of the future. Nations that fail to secure their digital frontiers will find themselves vulnerable not only to economic loss, but that the erosion could be of sovereignty. There is message for all of us gathered here, cybersecurity and AI are no longer niche disciplines – they are foundational pillars of national resilience, economic competitiveness and diplomatic influence. For us diplomats, understanding this becomes key.

Uzbekistan is accelerating its technological transformation. Through the Digital Uzbekistan-2030 strategy and significant new national commitments to artificial intelligence, data infrastructure and digital skills, the government has signaled that this domain is a national priority with ambitious plans for training millions of citizens in AI capabilities by the end of this decade. Uzbekistan has also highlighted the central role of digitalization and artificial intelligence in driving sustainable economic growth and enhancing governance and people at large. I am also happy to note that first Data Center in Uzbekistan is being built by an Indian company, Larsen & Toubro.

In this shared journey, India is a natural partner for Uzbekistan. India has rapidly ascended as a global tech powerhouse – with expertise in AI research, cybersecurity. Indian institutions and private sector leaders are being building deep capabilities in defensive cyber operations, secure cloud ecosystems, AI-based analytics, and resilient networks.

The potential for technology partnerships, expert training programmes, and exchange of knowledge is enormous.

I am sure that this three-day module will be beneficial to the participants from UWED and we will certainly look forward to your feedback. My best wishes to all of you for an engaging and learning experience.

Also just wanted to again inform that India is organizing AI Impact Global Summit, next month, which will further advance global dialogue on Artificial Intelligence.  We expect a senior delegation from Uzbekistan to visit India and further cement our partnership in this important area.

I thank SSIFS for organizing this event.  My deepest thanks to UWED as well.  We hope that both SSIFS and UWED are able to organize more such significant events in line with our Strategic Partnership.  I also hope that Dean SSIFS pays a visit to Tashkent as cooperation deepens between two institutes.

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