TASHKENT, Uzbekistan – India and Uzbekistan have taken a significant step towards bolstering their defense partnership with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art IT Laboratory at the Uzbek Academy of Armed Forces. General Manoj Pande, India's Chief of the Army Staff, led the inauguration ceremony during his visit to Uzbekistan from April 15-18.
The establishment of this advanced facility highlights the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations. It stems from a commitment made during the India-Uzbekistan Defence Ministers' meeting held in September 2018.
The IT Lab project gained momentum in 2019 after receiving approval and funding through the Indian Ministry of External Affairs' 'c' initiative. Despite initial bids exceeding the projected budget of Rs 6.5 crore, a final sum of Rs 8.5 crore was allocated. An Indian firm successfully secured the contract and ensured the lab's timely completion.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the IT Laboratory boasts nine specialized rooms. These include two lecture halls, a Cybersecurity Lab, Hardware and Object-Oriented Programming Labs, a Web Programming Lab, a Server Room, a Multimedia Room, and a Virtual Reality Room. Furthermore, the lab features video conferencing equipment, interactive panels, networking devices, and a range of high-end computers and peripherals.
This collaborative effort represents a technological leap for Uzbekistan's defense academy and solidifies the growing partnership between the two countries. The IT lab promises a future of enhanced cooperation in the defense and technology sectors.
A defense official, who wished to remain anonymous, commented that the establishment of this IT lab will significantly enrich the training resources available to the Uzbek armed forces. The official further emphasized that it fosters a deeper understanding and cooperation between India and Uzbekistan, laying a strong foundation for the years to come.
