India to provide US$1 million for Aral Sea restoration

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — India has announced a US$1 million partnership with Uzbekistan to support restoration efforts in the Aral Sea region, 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 leaders of the two countries noted similarities between Uzbekistan’s “Yashil Makon” initiative and India’s “Plant for Mother” programme, under which both countries are implementing measures aimed at greening and environmental restoration. In this context, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Uzbekistan would receive US$1 million through the Indian government’s grant programme for restoration efforts in the Aral Sea region.

Commenting on the significance of the initiative, George said the partnership was important given the region’s “serious environmental challenges”, including desertification, soil salinity and the spread of salt and dust from the exposed seabed. According to him, Indian support through the grant programme will contribute to Uzbekistan’s efforts to afforest and restore the affected area environmentally.

The diplomat emphasized that the initiative serves as a “concrete expression” of the convergence between Uzbekistan’s “Yashil Makon” programme and India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, while also confirming the two countries’ commitment to environmental sustainability and measures to combat climate change.