India, Uzbekistan to sign over dozen agreements

May 17,2011-New Delhi:Over a dozen agreements are likely to be signed between India and Uzbekistan in New Delhi tomorrow. The important sectors include oil and gas, minerals and metals,pharmaceuticals, information and communication technology,besides hydrocarbon, agriculture, cotton and other fields.

The agreements will be signed following the delegation level talks between the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the visiting Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov. Both the countries will also discuss the security scenario in the region besides comprehensive brainstorming on how to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Discussions are also likely on the six-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO, which India is keen on joining to promote transportation and energy links with Central Asia, Russia and China.

Karimov is arriving in New Delhi this evening on a two-day state visit. He will be given a ceremonial reception at the Forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhavan tomorrow. He will also call on the Vice President and the leader of opposition. President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will host a banquet in his honour.