On 26 October, the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) hosted a meeting with representatives from India’s Tillotoma Foundation, marking a significant step towards enhanced academic and diplomatic collaboration between Uzbekistan and India. The delegation from Tillotoma Foundation, led by Soham Das, Chairman & Director, and Kamakshi Wason, Global Chief Operating Officer & Director of Academic Programmes, was warmly received by IAIS Deputy Director Shakhboz Akhmedov. The delegation also engaged with Hamza Boltaev, Head of the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies, alongside research fellows Odilbek Manabov and Mushtariy Usmonova.
During the meeting, Soham Das emphasised that, while Uzbek and Indian societies share a general awareness of each other’s cultures and bilateral relations, there remains a lack of understanding of the finer details that underpin the significance of this partnership. He highlighted that one of the Tillotoma Foundation’s primary objectives is to promote a nuanced understanding of international relations and diplomacy, especially in India, by illuminating these subtleties. Such efforts, he noted, contribute to making these fields more engaging and accessible to a broader audience, thereby encouraging a deeper appreciation of regional ties and their impact on the geopolitical landscape.
In response, Deputy Director Akhmedov provided an insightful overview of the Institute’s guiding principles, research endeavours, and ongoing commitment to knowledge-sharing initiatives. He underscored IAIS’s dedication to fostering an environment conducive to innovative research, particularly on matters pertinent to Central and South Asia. By advancing joint initiatives with international partners, he conveyed that IAIS aspires to deepen regional expertise and influence policy discussions on shared challenges and interests.
Further enriching the discussion, Hamza Boltaev examined the Afghanistan factor within Uzbekistan-India relations, illustrating its profound implications on the strategic dynamics of both countries. He detailed how Afghanistan’s stability and development remain central to regional connectivity projects and security frameworks, thereby shaping Uzbekistan-India cooperation on multiple levels. This analysis underscored the importance of collaborative approaches in addressing shared security concerns and promoting sustainable development throughout Central and South Asia.
A notable outcome of the dialogue was the consensus to explore joint research projects and seminars in areas that resonate with both academic and policymaking communities. Specific themes discussed included leadership, soft power, and nation-building, as well as the application of international relations and diplomacy to broader, interdisciplinary fields that could benefit decision-makers, analysts, and regional stakeholders alike. Such initiatives, the participants agreed, could serve as pivotal platforms for advancing bilateral understanding and creating frameworks for long-term strategic collaboration.
The meeting culminated with a commitment to fortifying this academic partnership. “Let us work together on the geopolitical chessboard”, remarked Mr. Akhmedov, encapsulating the shared vision for cooperation on complex regional challenges. This exchange marked the beginning of a promising collaboration, with IAIS and Tillotoma Foundation poised to elevate mutual understanding and drive impactful research that supports diplomatic and strategic interests in Uzbekistan, India, and beyond.
