Amb Skand Ranjan Tayal

November 5, 2024  

During a recent visit to Tashkent, I had attended the roundtable on ‘Foreign Policy of Uzbekistan: Openness and Prosperity for Peace’ on 25 October 2024. The speakers were some of the prominent policy makers with long experience of diplomacy and international relations.

Senator Sodyq Safoev, former Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, defined the Uzbek policy as ‘pragmatic’ with emphasis on ‘managing the borders’ particularly with its Central Asian neighbors. He observed that Uzbekistan had a ’pro-active’ foreign policy and was emerging as a regional power in Central Asia and beyond.

The pragmatic neighbourhood policy of Uzbekistan is visible in its relations with the ruling establishments in Afghanistan, pivoting smoothly from recognition and support to the Ghani government to tacit acceptance of the Taliban regime immediately after August 2021.

At the roundtable Ambassador Ismatulla Irgashev, Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan shared his thoughts on ‘Achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan is an essential strategy of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy’. He said that Uzbekistan desired friendly relations with all its neighbours and had no wish to interfere in the internal affairs of any country. He noted that Uzbekistan has had contacts with the Taliban movement since the 1990s and post-2021, Uzbekistan could be a bridge between the global community and Taliban regime. Any armed resistance to the Taliban regime was futile and would only result in more bloodshed and chaos in Afghanistan prolonging the suffering of the people.

Uzbek Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov was in Kabul on 17-18 August 2024 for ‘strengthening bilateral trade and investments’. An exhibition of Uzbek products was opened in Kabul by the Uzbek PM. This was the highest-level visit of any foreign dignitary to Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover. During the visit reportedly trade and investments worth more than $ 2 billion were discussed including a $100 million project to develop gas fields in Afghanistan. A preferential trade agreement has come into force on 1 October eliminating import duties on 14 types of goods. Phyto-sanitary requirements for Afghan agricultural products have been relaxed by Uzbek customs.

There are reports that Afghan cotton would be sourced by Uzbek spinning mills. Also, there was a recent agreement to refine Afghan crude in Fergana refinery in Uzbekistan.

During the trip there was an opportunity to visit the Termez International Trade Center operating from ‘Airitom Free Zone’ designed for duty free trade with Afghanistan. The 36 hectare heavily fenced zone is adjacent to the 3 km. long ‘Friendship Bridge’ across Amu Darya linking Termez with Hairatan in Afghanistan. Afghans are allowed to visit visa free for stay upto 15 days. Most of them come for a day, though. They are allowed to bring and take goods up to 10kg duty free. Uzbeks are allowed to buy up to $300 worth Afghan goods duty free. The complex is just two months old and was buzzing with construction and commercial activity with a good number of Afghan men moving around. More than 5000 Afghan men, women and children visit the complex on Fridays to sample Western branded food and to have a good time as an escape from the strict Afghan society.

The complex has a 70-bed hospital with four Operation Theaters and is already operational. Two Indian para medics are working there. Afghan patients demand to see Indian doctors so appointment of some Indian doctors is expected.

The Zone has been developed by Akfa Group in Public-Private-Partnership mode. Its founder Jakhangir Artikkhodjayev is a former mayor of Tashkent.

Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a transit point for regional trade with Afghanistan. More than 200 large trucks cross into Afghanistan daily from the Friendship Bridge. Most of the Western and UN aid to Afghanistan is supplied through this route. Uzbek-Afghanistan trade was $900 million in 2023 and is likely to rise to $1.5 billion in 2025.

Some source of friction looming on the horizon is Afghanistan’s digging a 285 km canal from Kosh to Tepa to divert the waters of Amu Darya for irrigation. After its completion, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are likely to lose 15% of their intake from this mighty river. Uzbeks acknowledge the right of Afghanistan to use these waters but are upset that the canal is being dug in a primitive manner which would lead to massive wastage of water. Uzbeks have offered their expertise for lining the canal to prevent seepage.

Uzbekistan has continued to have their Ambassador in Kabul after August 2021 but he has not presented fresh credentials to the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’. It recently received a representative of the Taliban government in Tashkent. However, he is not permitted to fly the Emirate flag or display the IEA name on their building.

Uzbekistan is keen to have India’s support for the proposed railway line from Termez to Mazar-e-Sharif to Kabul to Peshawar in Pakistan. One branch of this railroad is planned towards Herat and then towards Iran. Uzbeks are confident that in due course, India will also benefit from this connection. Finance for this $5 billion project is yet to be tied up.

Among our friendly countries, Uzbekistan has the closest ongoing communication, contacts and understanding with the Taliban regime. South Block will be well advised to coordinate our policy towards Afghanistan with Uzbekistan and focus on Humanitarian assistance for alleviating the suffering of the Afghan people. Any form of economic engagement could come thereafter.

On November 19, 2024 the Diplomatic Academy at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy together with the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic held an international online round table on the topic “Development of Water Law in Central Asia”. Leading experts of the two countries in the field of international water law, rational use of transboundary water resources, representatives of international specialized organizations, as well as master's and post-graduate students of the Diplomatic Academies and UWED were invited to the event. 

The work of the international round table consisted of three sessions. They discussed in detail the issues of supporting the implementation of the goals and targets of the UN Water Action Decade: the implementation of the Water Agenda and the identification of obstacles and opportunities related to the implementation of obligations under UN resolutions. The topics touched upon were "Water management and law. Water cooperation and diplomacy", as well as "Development of hydropower as an environmentally friendly and renewable energy source, the introduction of water-saving technologies. Hydro-economic modeling".

Article is available in uzbek language

The Diplomatic Academy at the UWED extends its congratulations to our fellow citizens on the flag adoption day of the Republic of Uzbekistan! This day represents not only our freedom but also our aspiration for a promising future founded on unity, respect for one another, and peacekeeping.

The Uzbek flag is more than just a national emblem, it is a representation of our shared ideals, spiritual prosperity, and fortitude, which are derived from our nation's history and culture. It should serve as a constant reminder of our enormous responsibility for the future of both our motherland and the entire planet.

November 12, 2024 in the Diplomatic Academy at the UWED, a meeting was held with the delegation of the Estonian School of Diplomacy (EShD) that headed by the director E.Nomm, who arrived in Uzbekistan under the program organized by the OSCE Representative Office in Uzbekistan.

The first vice-rector of UWED A.Umarov opened the meeting with a brief information about the activities of UWED and the Diplomatic Academy.

E.Nomm thanked for the opportunity to host the meeting and gave brief information about the activities of the Estonian School of Diplomacy. It was noted that Uzbekistan pays great attention to the issues of ensuring security and stability in Central Asia, and an opinion was expressed about the feasibility of establishing and developing cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of Uzbekistan and the Estonian School of Diplomacy.

At the end of the conversation, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Diplomatic Academy at the UWED and the Estonian School of Diplomacy, the text of which was agreed upon during the preparation for the visit of the Estonian delegation to Uzbekistan.

Article is available in uzbek and russian languages

November 8, 2024. An international conference on "India's Relations with Central, South and Southeast Asia: Challenges and Opportunities" organized by MERI Group Institutions was held in New Delhi. The conference was attended by the leadership of India-Central Asia Foundation, former Deputy Foreign Ministers of India, as well as Ambassadors of Central Asian countries accredited in India and representatives of think tanks of Southeast Asian countries.

During the first part of the conference, in accordance with the agreement reached, the Diplomatic Academy together with the India-Central Asia Foundation held a presentation of the book "Indo-Uzbek Perspectives on Connectivity between South and Central Asia". The book was prepared on the initiative of the Diplomatic Academy at the UWED in cooperation with the India-Central Asia Foundation. The presentation of the book was organized in support of the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M.Mirziyoyev on development of cooperation between Central and South Asia, put forward during the international conference "Central and South Asia: Regional Interconnectedness. Challenges and Opportunities" in Tashkent in 2021.

The book was published in Uzbek and Russian languages by the Diplomatic Academy at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The English version of the book was published in New Delhi by the India-Central Asia Foundation. The foreword to this joint publication was written by the First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Rector of the UWED S. Safoyev and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of India and former Ambassador of India to Uzbekistan Gitesh Sharma.

This joint work by Uzbek and Indian scholars reflects the fundamental approach of Uzbek President Sh. M. Mirziyoyev and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the development of bilateral and interregional cooperation and focuses on topics that are becoming increasingly relevant in today's world, covering history, politics, economics, investment, security and culture. Undoubtedly, the publication of this book will contribute to greater mutual understanding between the parties in a rapidly changing world.

The second part of the conference focused on economic ties, the role of soft power in strengthening cooperation, political relations and regional geopolitics, as well as possible options for the development of cooperation between India, Central Asia and Southeast Asia.

Participants of the conference, including former Indian ambassadors to Uzbekistan Ashok Sharma, Gitesh Sharma, as well as representatives of think tanks of India and Southeast Asian countries, expressed a common point of view on the need to further develop interregional cooperation that meets the interests of the countries of these regions.

Article is available in uzbek and russian languages

Article is available in uzbek language

On October 27 of this year, elections of deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, regional, city and district councils will be held in Uzbekistan. The election campaign started on July 26 and is held under the slogan "My choice is my prosperous Homeland." The main features of the upcoming electoral event and its impact on the domestic and foreign policy of the country were discussed by experts from the two countries at a round table organized by the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Yekaterinburg.

Director of the Diplomatic Academy at the UWED, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdusamat Khaidarov noted that the upcoming elections are held in accordance with the new version of the Constitution adopted at a national referendum. Early elections of the President of Uzbekistan were held last year, and this year – elections to parliament, legislative and representative authorities on the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage. First of all, it should be borne in mind that the formation of new authorities will take place within the framework of a majority-proportional system, which provides for the active participation of both candidates and parties themselves and in conditions of a significant increase in the norms of parliamentarism. The E-Saylov information system, in fact, takes the conduct of elections to a completely new level in terms of technology and openness.  The voting process itself, for the convenience of expression of will, will take place with the maximum degree of digitalization, and more than a thousand international observers will observe the election process, half of whom represent reputable international associations – the CIS, SCO, OTS and many others. There is no doubt that the upcoming elections will have a significant impact on the development of the political system and the pace of socio-economic growth of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Consul General of Uzbekistan in Yekaterinburg Jahongir Parmanov stressed that not only 150 deputies of the Legislative Chamber, but also 65 deputies of the Jokarga Kenes of Karakalpakstan, as well as deputies of regional, Tashkent and 208 district (city) Kengashes will be elected in the upcoming elections. Thus, about 30 thousand candidates and about 90 thousand of their proxies are expected to actively participate in the electoral process, as well as more than 120 thousand members of election commissions as organizers and over 70 thousand local and international observers. For the first time, the elections will be held on the basis of a majority-proportional or, as it is also called, a mixed system. The President of Uzbekistan proposed to switch to a mixed electoral system to enhance the role of political parties in March, meeting with deputies. And on May 8, Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree on the introduction of a majority-proportional electoral system. In order for the elections to be successful here, in the Ural Federal District, a working group has been established on the basis of the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Yekaterinburg. In general, economic and humanitarian ties between the regions of the Ural Federal District and Uzbekistan are becoming stronger and larger every day – there is a constant exchange of delegations, business forums are held, a Trading house of Uzbekistan has been opened in Yekaterinburg, and now mutual visits for next year are being actively worked out. One of the elements of mutual cooperation is the holding of this "round table", which shows the importance not only of interregional economic cooperation, but also of expert dialogue between analytical centers of the two countries.

According to head of the Center for Global Studies and International Relations at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Vadim Kozyulin, the political system of Uzbekistan is characterized by a certain harmony. The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, consisting of 150 deputies, has the main functions of approving the budget, drafting and passing laws.  The upper house of Parliament, the Senate, is a territorial representation body consisting of 65 members, nine of whom are appointed by the President from among the most respected and honored citizens.

It should be noted that the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who has the right of veto and a wide range of powers, is responsible for the implementation of laws and foreign policy. Russian political scientists are closely monitoring the ongoing changes and programs of political parties. There are five parties operating in the political space – the Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party, the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the Adolat Social Democratic Party, the Environmental Party of Uzbekistan, and in the current realities of the majority-proportional system their role is radically increasing. According to Vadim Kozyulin, following the results of the elections, Uzbekistan will maintain its current foreign policy orientation – active participation in regional international organizations of the CIS and SCO with an eye to the course chosen by Shavkat Mirziyoyev for a comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, as noted in the joint Samarkand declaration in September 2022.

Chief researcher at the International Institute of Central Asia of the Republic of Uzbekistan Azizkhan Nazirov, agrees with him: "The ongoing elections to the national parliament, legislative and representative authorities really demonstrate a qualitatively new approach to the formation of the political system of Uzbekistan," the expert added. – And in this context, it also coincides with Uzbekistan’s approaches to relations with its closest neighbors, primarily with Russia. Uzbekistan is the largest country in Central Asia, trying to set a trend for sustainable development throughout the region and building a whole system of mutual cooperation. And the stronger Uzbekistan is, the more profitable it will be for our closest friends, including Russia."

Head of the Russian office of the International consulting company “Anyway Law” Master of Private Law of the Russian Federation, Andrey Sapegin, stressed that Uzbekistan is an advanced country in the field of electoral legislation – all election regulation is reflected in one law. There is no doubt that Russia will gradually come to a similar codification. The majority-proportional system of formation of legislative and representative power, as well as separate quotas for women, lead to an increase in the degree of democratization of society. Also, as an important aspect, it can be noted that the election results are determined by a simple majority of votes, eliminating the need for repeated rounds of elections.

Summing up the meeting, moderator of the round table, Director of the Center for European-Asian Studies Andrey Rusakov thanked all participants for their opinions and stressed the importance of expert dialogue between Uzbekistan and Russia. Thus, the course of strategic partnership between the two countries, announced by two presidents – Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Vladimir Putin, is taking place not only in the format of economic cooperation, but also discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. It is important that both countries actively participate in the activities of such iconic integration associations as the SCO and the CIS, regularly "checking the clock" to coordinate mutual positions. The ongoing political reform in Uzbekistan significantly increases the role of political parties, which will also contribute to increasing the level of competition between various approaches to the strategic development of the country. There is no doubt that in the end this will serve to strengthen the role of Uzbekistan as a locomotive for the development of Central Asia and strengthen the strategic partnership between Russia and Uzbekistan.

On October 23, 2024, the Diplomatic Academy at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy hold a presentation of the book “Prospects of India and Uzbekistan on Connectivity between South and Central Asia”. Attendees included the Diplomatic Academy and the UWED administration and teachers, the Indian Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Uzbek article writers, and students.
The Diplomatic Academy at the UWED and the India-Central Asia Foundation released the book "Prospects of India and Uzbekistan in Developing Connectivity in South and Central Asia" in Uzbek, English, and Russian.

Dr. A. Umarov, the first vice-rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, gave a welcome address to kick off the program. He pointed out that the development of bilateral cultural and economic cooperation between India and Uzbekistan is facilitated by historical and cultural links as well as shared customs and traditions. Thus, this contributes to the constructive and long-lasting growth of our nations' collaboration in the tourist and education sectors.

According to him, the fundamental approach of the President of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi served as a solid foundation for strengthening and promoting bilateral cooperation.

The book focuses on topics that are becoming increasingly relevant in the modern world, covering history, politics, economics, investment, security and culture. In his opinion, such studies will contribute to regional peace and security in Central and South Asia.

H.P. Smita Pant, India's ambassador to Uzbekistan, spoke at the event and expressed satisfaction with the results of Uzbek-Indian collaboration in a number of areas. She expressed her gratitude to the authors from India and Uzbekistan for their efforts in creating the aforementioned book. The Indian Ambassador underlined that the two counties' scientists working together will strengthen their bilateral connections and provide new horizons for collaboration.

Dr. Ramakant Dwivedi, Director of the India-Central Asia Foundation (ICAF), Prof. A. Khaydarov, Director of the Diplomatic Academy, and Prof. Anil Sharma, a member of the ICAF Governing Council and one of the book's authors, all gave speeches. They stressed that India and Uzbekistan's political, economic, cultural, and security cooperation is reflected in the book.
Every speaker made it abundantly evident that the two nations' intellectual circles must continue to work together in order to foster the growth of bilateral cooperation.

All the speakers clearly pointed out the need for continued cooperation between the academic circles of the two countries, which will contribute to the expansion of bilateral collaboration.

At the end of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Diplomatic Academy at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and the India-Central Asia Foundation.

On October 23, at 11 o'clock in the "B" building of the University of world economy and diplomacy, will take place the presentation of a book titled "Uzbekistan-India prospects in the development of the interconnection between South and Central Asia", which is being organized by the Diplomatic Academy. The collection was published in English, Uzbek and Russian by political scientists from both countries in cooperation with the Diplomatic Academy and the India – Central Asia Foundation. The presentation will be attended by guests from India and ambassadors from India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan to Tashkent.