MUSCAT, August 4. /Dunyo IA/. President of India Droupadi Murmu received Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov at Rashtrapati Bhavan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing with “Times of Oman”.

Welcoming the Minister and his delegation, President Droupadi Murmu noted that Uzbekistan and India are bound by deep historical, cultural and civilizational ties rooted in the ancient trade routes that connected the two countries. She emphasized that the shared heritage in architecture, language, cuisine, music and religious traditions continues to strengthen bilateral relations.

President highlighted significant opportunities for expanding cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in the field of rare earth minerals, as well as in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and information technologies.

President Droupadi Murmu also welcomed the growing economic cooperation between the two countries, noting that the presence of high-ranking Uzbek leaders and the India–Uzbekistan Business Forum, held in parallel with the visit, reflect growing confidence among businesses and the steadily expanding trade and investment partnership.

Emphasizing the importance of educational ties and capacity building, the President stated that more than 3,000 Uzbek officials, specialists and students have benefited from the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program and scholarship initiatives.

She also noted that more than 16,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan, describing them as an important bridge between the two countries that strengthens people-to-people ties and contributes to greater mutual understanding.

Meeting underscored the shared commitment of India and Uzbekistan to expanding cooperation in strategic sectors, building on longstanding friendship and further developing economic and educational partnerships.