"Today, we are striving to build a modern relationship on this solid base. From time immemorial, we are not only strong friends, but brothers. We have a lot of opportunities for closer cooperation, which are mutually beneficial to both parties," Ambassador said. He said that President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov paid a memorable visit to India in May 2011 and ties between two states were raised to strategic partnership.

Envoy said that during the visit, the sides signed significant agreements and the sides are cooperating closely to implement them. Last year, Uzbekistan and India carried out serious work to implement these agreements and memorandums.

Anumula Gites Sarma said that modernization of the Center on information technologies under Tashkent University of Information Technologies and creation of joint venture in this area are perspective projects for 2013.

“We have many areas for the exchange of experience and knowledge. I believe that the exchange of high level visits will serve as an impetus for creation of further promising projects. This year we will see expected results and fruits of our efforts,” Indian diplomat noted.

"Relations between Uzbekistan and India have their roots deep in history. Support of cultural relations is a vital element of cooperation between the two countries as ties in economy and politics. Not knowing the culture of another country, you cannot understand the mentality of the people, their feelings and concerns. With confidence I can say that between the peoples of India and Uzbekistan, there is a unique spiritual connection," Anumula Gites Sarma said.

"We feel very comfortable during the communication and cooperation, we enjoy each other's achievements. It gives us great joy to see that the people of Uzbekistan like India, its culture, history, traditions and people. At the same time, I would like to assure you that the people of India are experiencing the same warmth and love for Uzbekistan. The truth is simple - culture of our nations is interesting for both of us. We become richer and better when we understand each other and respect the values of other people," Ambassador said.

Speaking about cultural cooperation, Ambassador said that Uzbek artists are participating in various festivals in India. He added that this year Embassy of India in Tashkent is planning to hold Indian Films Days in Uzbek capital in 2013, which will be dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Indian Cinema.

Friendly bilateral relations between India and Uzbekistan are multilateral and diverse. Regional stability, achieving world peace, as well as economic development and prosperity of the peoples of the two countries are our common goals, Indian envoy said.

"Of course, the most important areas of our bilateral cooperation are such areas as culture, science, commerce, information technology, oil and gas, education, agriculture, medicine, pharmaceuticals. At present, both sides are interested in development of these areas and make every effort to maximize the use of existing opportunities for effective cooperation," Anumula Gites Sarma said.

“At this point, the volume of bilateral trade is about US$160 million. We know that we have certain limitations due to the lack of a transit corridor. But with new approaches and innovations we will increase the turnover in these conditions. I am confident that through the efforts of both countries and peoples together we will achieve even results in our cooperation,” diplomat concluded.