Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies on Sunday [1, 2].
The visit underscores India's efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy in Central Asia through educational exchange and the promotion of Indian heritage.
During the visit to Tashkent, Modi met with students to discuss their studies and their interest in Indian traditions [1, 2]. The Prime Minister highlighted the growing passion among Uzbek youth for studying India, including the practice of yoga and the exploration of Tamil heritage [2].
Students at the center recited poems written by Modi during the interaction [1]. The Prime Minister said the emotions were expressed exactly as they were in his heart [1].
Modi later shared his reflections on the visit via a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. He said the visit was interesting for several reasons, including the passion for studying India and the immense work being done on the life of Mahatma Gandhi [1].
The Mahatma Gandhi Centre serves as a hub for Indian culture and philosophy within the university [1, 2]. By engaging with the students, Modi sought to highlight the shared values between the two nations and promote the global legacy of Gandhi's non-violent philosophy [1, 2].
The interaction focused on the academic and cultural links between India and Uzbekistan, emphasizing how educational centers can bridge geopolitical gaps through shared intellectual interests [1, 2].
“"Emotions expressed exactly as they were in my heart"”
This interaction is part of a broader strategic push by India to expand its 'soft power' in Central Asia. By focusing on cultural touchstones like yoga, Tamil heritage, and the universal appeal of Mahatma Gandhi, India aims to build grassroots goodwill and strengthen bilateral ties with Uzbekistan beyond formal political and economic agreements.
