NEW DELHI, September 27. /Dunyo IA/. A reception marking the 35^th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan was held in New Delhi, bringing together more than 350 representatives of India’s government, diplomatic, business and public sectors, as well as Uzbek citizens living in the country, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The chief guest was Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Other senior participants included Lok Sabha member and head of the India-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group Ganesh Singh, along with other representatives of the MEA and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan Sardor Rustambaev highlighted Uzbekistan’s development since independence, including infrastructure modernization, investment in education and healthcare, the creation of new industrial sectors and the integration of the economy into global markets.

He also emphasized the reforms launched since 2016, including economic liberalization, strengthening the private sector, improving the investment climate and modernizing state institutions.

Particular attention was given to Uzbekistan-India relations. The two countries established a strategic partnership in 2011 and elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2026.

Participants were briefed on the results of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi’s state visit to Uzbekistan on August 29-30 at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

During the talks, the two leaders discussed trade and investment, critical minerals, defence and security, innovation and startups, digital infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education, tourism and space cooperation.

The two sides set a goal of increasing bilateral trade to 5 billion dollars by 2030 and agreed to hold a business summit to expand trade and investment cooperation.

Rudrendra Tandon highlighted the centuries-old civilizational and humanitarian ties between the two peoples. He also noted growing interest in yoga in Uzbekistan and recalled the participation of India’s prime minister in an event organized by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan.

India was also noted as having provided a 1 million dollars grant to support Uzbekistan’s efforts to restore the environment in the Aral Sea region.

During the reception, guests were presented with a special issue of “Business Central Asia” magazine dedicated to the 35^th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence.

The event concluded with performances by Uzbek music and dance groups, while guests were served plov and other Uzbek dishes, as well as fresh and dried fruits delivered with the support of “Uzbekistan Airways” and “Centrum Air.”