The two leaders also discussed connectivity including greater usage of the Chabahar port

India and Uzbekistan discussed entering into long-term arrangements to promote trade and investment during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Samarkand Uzbekistan on Friday.

Connectivity was considered key to unlock the potential in this regard, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

"Had a great meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Thanked him for hosting the SCO Summit. Discussed ways to deepen connectivity, trade and cultural cooperation between India and Uzbekistan," PM Modi tweeted.

According to the PMO, the leaders appreciated the overall progress in bilateral relations, including the implementation of decisions of the Virtual Summit in December 2020.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi and President Mirziyoyev touched upon priority areas of bilateral cooperation, particularly trade, economic cooperation and connectivity.

"They stressed the need to make concerted efforts to diversify the trade basket and enter into long-term arrangements to promote trade and investment. Connectivity was considered key to unlock the potential in this regard, including greater usage of the Chabahar port and the International North South Transport Corridor," the PMO said.

Regional issues, including Afghanistan, were also discussed. The leaders were unanimous in their view that the territory of Afghanistan should not be used for terrorist activities.

The leaders attached great importance to the outcomes of the First India-Central Asia Summit held in January this year. They acknowledged the progress being made in the implementation of the Summit decisions.

Prime Minister congratulated President Mirziyoyev for excellent organization of the SCO Summit and Uzbekistan’s successful chairmanshio, according to the PMO.

This is a special year for the two countries as it marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.