India, Tajikistan inked 2 agreements to strengthen bilateral relations

India and Tajikistan on 13 July 2015 signed two agreements/Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) to further strengthentheir defence cooperation which is a strong pillar of strategic partnership between both the friendly nations.

The agreements were inked during the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tajikistan from 12 July to 13 July 2015.

Agreements signed include
Programme of Cooperation (POC) in the field of Culture for the years 2016-18: It envisages cooperation in the field of culture through exchange of expertise in protection, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in both countries, exchange of information and experts and organization of cultural days in each other’s countries for greater cultural understanding between the countries.

Exchange of Note Verbale (NV) on setting up of Computer Labs in 37 Schools in Tajikistan: The Note Verbale conveys the intention of Indian side to set up computer labs in 37 schools in Tajikistan for supporting Government of Tajikistan’s human resource and skill development efforts. The NV also outlines responsibilities of both sides in implementing the project.

The two leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon also agreed to promote the International North South transport corridor (INSTC). The INSTC is the ship, rail, and road route for moving freight between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.

The two sides also discussed measures to tap the rich potential in trade and commerce and to encourage joint ventures and investments.

Besides, PM Modi presented a specially commissioned miniature painting of the tomb of the 17th century Indian poet Abdul Qadir Bedil to President Rahmon. Bedil is regarded, especially in Tajikistan, as one the greatest masters of Persian poetry.

Born in 1644 in Patna, Bedil was influenced by Sufism and wrote 16 books of poetry. Bedil died in Delhi where his tomb, Bagh-e-Bedil is located. The miniature painting has been done by national award-winning Delhi-based artist Jai Prakash.

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