Om Birla Hails India-Uzbekistan Civilizational Ties
Lok Sabha Speaker says Parliamentary Friendship Group will give fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation
- Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov meets Om Birla at Parliament House.
- Birla highlights centuries-old historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
- Both sides discuss parliamentary cooperation, trade, investment, education and culture.
- Uzbekistan seeks deeper engagement with India across emerging sectors.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th July: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday said India and Uzbekistan share centuries-old historical, cultural and civilizational ties, expressing confidence that growing political trust and parliamentary engagement will further strengthen relations between the two countries.
Birla made the remarks during a meeting with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov at Parliament House in New Delhi.
The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on India-Uzbekistan relations, with particular focus on parliamentary cooperation, trade and investment, education, culture, people-to-people exchanges and regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Birla said the historical and civilizational links between India and Uzbekistan continue to provide a strong foundation for their friendship. He expressed confidence that expanding trade and investment and greater interaction between the people of the two countries would further deepen the bilateral partnership.
Parliamentary Friendship Group to Boost Engagement
Referring to the India-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, constituted in March 2026, Birla said the initiative would give fresh impetus to parliamentary engagement between the two countries.
He said stronger legislative exchanges could help deepen cooperation in economic, educational, cultural and people-to-people spheres.
Speaking about India’s democratic traditions, Birla said the world’s largest democracy has a vibrant parliamentary system that represents the aspirations and diversity of its people. He noted that the 543-member Lok Sabha provides space for diverse political perspectives and constructive debate.
Birla also highlighted India’s achievements in infrastructure development, digital innovation, technology, connectivity, investment and trade. He said Indian youth were increasingly assuming leadership roles globally, while cooperation with international universities and institutions continued to expand.
Birla Recalls 2025 Tashkent Visit
The Lok Sabha Speaker recalled his participation in the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Tashkent in April 2025, where he interacted with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbayeva and Legislative Chamber Speaker Nuriddin Ismailov.
Birla said those high-level engagements laid a strong foundation for continuing parliamentary cooperation and expressed hope that Saidov’s current visit would further strengthen the partnership between India and Uzbekistan.
Saidov reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to deepening its multifaceted partnership with India and said Tashkent attached high importance to expanding political, economic and parliamentary cooperation.
He also highlighted the potential for Uzbekistan to benefit from India’s legislative experience and called for greater cooperation in trade, investment, joint projects and emerging sectors.
During the meeting, Saidov presented Birla with a special commemorative publication detailing the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union hosted by Uzbekistan.
