India-Uzbekistan Defence Collaboration Takes a Technological Leap

India and Uzbekistan have taken a significant step forward in their bilateral relationship with the inauguration of a cutting-edge IT Laboratory at the Uzbek Academy of Armed Forces. During his visit from April 15-18, 2024, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff, marked this milestone, highlighting the growing collaboration between the two nations.

The genesis of this project can be traced back to a commitment made during a Defence Ministers’ meeting in September 2018, demonstrating the shared vision for enhanced defence cooperation. The subsequent approval in 2019, under the Ministry of External Affairs’ ‘Aid to Eurasia’ initiative, paved the way for the realization of this initiative.

It has been learnt that the bids exceeded the envisaged budget of Rs 6.5 Crore. Therefore Rs 8.5 Crore was allotted for the project. An Indian firm won the contract, made the lab fully operational well in time.

General Manoj pande meeting the derogatory of Uzbekistan during his visit. (Image: X)

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Despite initial budget constraints, the project proceeded with determination, with an Indian firm winning the contract and delivering the lab within the allocated resources. The IT Laboratory boasts state-of-the-art facilities, comprising nine rooms dedicated to various technological domains, including cybersecurity, hardware and software programming, multimedia, and virtual reality.

General Manoj Pande meets his Uzbekistan counterpart during his visit. (Image: X)

Equipped with the latest technology, such as video conferencing terminals, interactive panels, and networking devices, the lab is poised to become a hub for innovation and learning. Its establishment not only represents a leap forward in Uzbekistan’s technological capabilities but also strengthens the bond between India and Uzbekistan in defence and technology.

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The collaboration is expected to enrich the training resources available to the Uzbek armed forces, fostering a deeper understanding of modern warfare techniques and bolstering interoperability between the two nations. As India and Uzbekistan embark on this journey of cooperation, the IT Laboratory stands as a symbol of their shared commitment to progress and mutual growth. With this initiative, the two nations pave the way for a future of enhanced defence capabilities and strengthened diplomatic ties, ensuring stability and security in the region.