GENERAL MANOJ PANDE, CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF ON VISIT TO UZBEKISTAN
General Manoj Pande, the Chief of
Army Staff (COAS), departed on a visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan from 15 - 18 April 2024, marking a significant step in
bolstering the defence cooperation between India and Republic of Uzbekistan.
On 15th April 2024, General Manoj Pande will engage in dialogues with the
top defence leadership of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The meetings are planned
with Lieutenant General Bakhodir Kurbanov, the Defence Minister of Uzbekistan;
Major General Khalmukhamedov Shukhrat Gayratjanovich, the First Deputy Minister
of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces; and Major
General Burkhanov Ahmed Jamalovich, the Deputy Minister and Chief of Air and
Air Defence Forces. These dialogues are pivotal in fostering stronger military
cooperation. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Armed Forces Museum
followed by a tour of the Hast Imam Ensemble, offering insights into the rich
military history and achievements of Uzbekistan.
On 16th April 2024, the COAS will pay homage to Late Shri Lal Bahadur
Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India, by laying a wreath at his
monument. Thereafter, he will visit the Victory Park, commemorating
Uzbekistan's contributions and sacrifices in the Second World War. The
engagements on the day will encompass a visit to the Centre for Innovative
Technologies LLC, where the COAS will get an insight into initiatives being
undertaken by the Republic of Uzbekistan in defence technology and innovations.
General Manoj Pande will thereafter visit the Uzbekistan Armed Forces Academy
and inaugurate IT lab at the academy, established with India’s assistance.
Travelling to Samarkand on
17th April 2024, General Pande will meet Commander of the Central
Military District. The visit will culminate in Termez, on
18th April 2024, where the COAS is also scheduled to witness the Joint
Exercise DUSTLIK between the armed forces of India and Uzbekistan, highlighting
the interoperability and camaraderie developed between the two countries. He
will also visit the Termez Museum and the historical monuments of the
Surkhandarya Region, beholding a first-hand account of Uzbekistan's glorious
past and cultural landscapes.
The visit by General Manoj Pande aims at strengthening
military cooperation between India and Uzbekistan besides exploring new avenues
of collaboration between the two nations.