Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande has begun a four-day visit to Uzbekistan aimed at expanding military collaboration between the two nations. Gen Pande is holding extensive discussions with Uzbekistan's top defense officials and is scheduled to visit key defense establishments.
The Indian Ministry of Defence underscored the importance of the visit, calling it a "significant step" toward stronger defense cooperation. The Ministry highlighted the visit's goal of enhancing military ties and identifying new collaborative opportunities between India and Uzbekistan.
Gen Pande is engaged in talks with key Uzbekistani defense leaders, including Defence Minister Lieutenant General Bakhodir Kurbanov and Major General Khalmukhamedov Shukhrat Gayratjanovich, the First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. These discussions are considered crucial for furthering military cooperation between the two countries.
The Army Chief will pay respects to former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on Tuesday by visiting his memorial in Tashkent. He will also honor Uzbekistan's role and sacrifices during World War II by visiting Victory Park.
Gen Pande will travel to Samarkand on Wednesday for a meeting with the Commander of the Central Military District. His trip will conclude in Termez on April 18th, where he will observe the DUSTLIK joint exercise. This exercise showcases the strong bonds and shared capabilities of the Indian and Uzbek armed forces.
Gen Pande's visit to Uzbekistan highlights the deepening defense partnership between the two nations. The trip is expected to result in new avenues of military cooperation and strengthen India's strategic ties within the Central Asian region.
