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A delegation from Vivekanand International Foundation (VIF) visited Uzbekistan from 24^th-31^st August, 2017 for discussions with Uzbek Think Tanks. The visit took place immediately after a visit by a high powered Uzbek delegation to India led by Uzbek Minister for Foreign Affairs HE Abdulaziz Kamilov and Minister for Foreign Trade HE Mr. Elyor Ganiev on August 20-23, 2017. Track 2 dialogue would supplement official level interaction.

The Uzbek side mentioned Uzbek priorities under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. VIF delegation stated that the smooth transition after the death of President Karimov attested to strength of Uzbek democracy.

The VIF delegation mentioned that the VIF has institutional relationship with 23 international Think Tanks. In Central Asia, we have chosen Uzbekistan as the first country to visit in view of its importance in the region and beyond. The two sides discussed bilateral relations, International North-South Transit Corridor, Chabahar port, Ashgabad Agreement, trade and cultural relations. The Uzbek side welcomed India joining Shanghai Co-operation Organization. They also warmly recalled PM Modi’s two visits to Uzbekistan.

VIF delegation was led by Ambassador (Retired) D. P. Srivastava, and included Ms. Rashmini Koparkar, Research Associate. The delegation also took part in a conference on ‘Role of Central Asian Renaissance in World Civilisations’ hosted by the Uzbek government in Samarkand.

VIF has signed MOUs with the following Think Tanks: The Information and Analytical Center for International Relations, the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and Tashkent State Institute for Oriental Studies.