Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla met with H.E. Mr. Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, at Parliament House on August 4, 2026, to discuss strengthening India-Uzbekistan bilateral relations. The leaders emphasized the centuries-old historical, cultural, and civilizational ties between the two nations and expressed confidence that growing political trust, expanding trade and investment, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges would further strengthen the partnership.
Shri Birla highlighted India's democratic traditions, noting the 543-member Lok Sabha represents millions of citizens nationwide through a multi-party framework that provides equal space for diverse perspectives. He mentioned that Parliament meets across three sessions annually, with the ongoing Monsoon Session deliberating on matters of national importance. India's achievements in infrastructure development, digital innovation, technology, connectivity, investment, and trade were also discussed.
The India-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, constituted in March 2026, was identified as a key initiative to impart fresh momentum to legislative engagement and deepen cooperation across economic, educational, cultural, and people-to-people spheres. Shri Birla recalled his participation in the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union held in Tashkent in April 2025, where he interacted with Uzbek leadership including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbayeva, and Legislative Chamber Speaker Nuriddin Ismailov.
Foreign Minister Saidov reaffirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to deepening its multifaceted partnership with India, stating that Tashkent attaches high importance to expanding political, economic, and parliamentary cooperation. He emphasized that enhanced parliamentary engagement would contribute meaningfully to advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership and called for expanded cooperation in trade, investment, joint projects, and emerging sectors. To mark the occasion, Saidov presented Birla with a special commemorative publication detailing the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union hosted by Uzbekistan.