India and Uzbekistan deepen ties, eye $5bn trade and long-term uranium supplies

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Uzbekistan has joined India in strongly condemning terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, according to a joint statement released. This joint statement marks a significant shift as Uzbekistan, which has previously not used the specific phrase "cross-border terrorism" in their highest-level joint statements, has now explicitly condemned the practice.

The two countries, sharing a border with Afghanistan, have expressed deep concerns about the influx of militant groups and radicalisation. They reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and emphasized that those responsible should be held accountable, their perpetrators, backers, facilitators, and affiliates brought to justice.

Both India and Uzbekistan stressed the importance of strengthened cooperation in law enforcement, intelligence-sharing, combating violent extremism, illicit drug trafficking, organized crime, and cyber threats. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism within the SCO and their support for the organisation as a crucial platform for enhancing mutual trust, promoting regional peace, security and stability, and expanding cooperation in trade, economic affairs, investment, cultural and humanitarian exchanges.