India and Uzbekistan expand cooperation in agriculture

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — India and Uzbekistan are expanding cooperation in agriculture, with a focus on seed production, drip irrigation technologies and horticulture, Sibi George, Secretary (West) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said at a press briefing following the Indian prime minister’s state visit to Uzbekistan.

According to George, the two sides are exploring opportunities for cooperation in seed production, the development of drip irrigation technologies and horticulture. Cooperation in these areas is being carried out between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Uzbekistan’s National Center for Knowledge and Innovation in Agriculture.

“We are working together with the National Center for Knowledge and Innovation in Agriculture to develop cooperation with each other,” George said.

The diplomat added that India’s agriculture minister was part of the Indian prime minister’s delegation during the visit to Uzbekistan.

According to the joint statement issued by the leaders of the two countries following their talks, discussions on economic cooperation also covered agriculture and food processing, alongside mineral resources, the textile industry, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. These areas were identified as priorities for expanding bilateral trade, with the sides setting a target of US$5 billion by 2030.