India, Uzbekistan ink 17 pacts; to deepen ties in counter-terrorism, defence

India and Uzbekistan Monday inked 17 pacts to boost ties in key areas including defence after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on a host of important bilateral and regional issues such as Afghanistan and counter-terrorism.

The two countries will also hold joint military training exercises in counter-terrorism and cooperate in the field of military education and medicine, a joint statement issued after the meeting between the leaders said.

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement agencies of the two countries under the framework of the Uzbekistan-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, the document said.

"We have had very comprehensive discussions. We have taken a long-term view to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries," Modi said at a joint media event with the Uzbekistan president.

The two sides signed 17 pacts in sectors of defence, agriculture, science and technology and space, among others, which was termed "historic" by the Uzbek president.

Modi and Mirziyoyev also discussed regional security, including the situation in Afghanistan, and asserted that dialogue was the only way to bring peace in the war-torn country.

On his part, Mirziyoyev said the strategic partnership with India is "one of the most important priorities" for his country.

On the defence front, the two sides agreed to work closely to expand and strengthen defence ties as well as defence industry cooperation, the joint statement said.

Both sides have also called for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Uzbekistan will also set up a defence wing at its embassy here, the statement said.

Noting the importance of a safe and secure regional environment for development and prosperity, the two sides agreed to work closely in addressing threats and challenges to national as well as regional security.

Modi said a stable, democratic, inclusive and prosperous Afghanistan was beneficial for everyone. "The two countries have decided to have regular contact in this regard," he said.

Mirziyoyev said the "common opinion" of the two countries was that "there is no military solution to this problem. The only way to peace is a political dialogue between the government of Afghanistan and the opposition."