India, Uzbekistan eye Rare Earth partnership as President Murmu hosts Uzbek Minister

Welcoming the Uzbek Foreign Minister and his delegation, President Murmu said India and Uzbekistan share deep historical, cultural and civilisational ties rooted in the ancient trade routes that connected the two countries.

She noted that their shared heritage in architecture, language, cuisine, music and religious traditions has further strengthened bilateral relations.

Highlighting new avenues of cooperation, the President said there is immense potential for collaboration in the mining sector, particularly in rare earth minerals, as well as in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and information technology.

Murmu also said the presence of senior leaders in the visiting Uzbek delegation, along with the organisation of an India-Uzbekistan Business Forum on the sidelines of the visit, reflects the growing confidence of businesses in both countries and their expanding economic partnership.

The President expressed satisfaction that more than 3,000 officials, professionals and students from Uzbekistan have benefited from India's Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training programmes and scholarship initiatives.

She also noted that over 16,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan, describing them as a vital bridge between the two nations that strengthens people-to-people ties and fosters greater mutual understanding.