In an interview with Fikrat Shabanov, President of the Consultations on International Policy and Economy analytical center, Nargiza Umarova, Senior Research Fellow at IAIS, touched upon a wide range of topics related to transport geopolitics in Central Asia. Ms Umarova explained in detail the nature and significance of transport corridors in international relations, emphasizing their dual function as a tool for economic integration and a means of geopolitical influence. Particular attention was paid to the Middle (Trans-Caspian) Corridor, which, according to her, is becoming increasingly strategically important against the backdrop of the weakening of the northern route passing through Russia and Belarus due to sanctions pressure.   Ms Umarova described how countries in the region, particularly Uzbekistan, are using current geopolitical challenges as a window of opportunity to develop new routes. The middle corridor, running through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye, has become the main focus of modernization and digitalization, facilitated by research from the World Bank and the EBRD. According to her assessment, Azerbaijan plays a key role in the infrastructure link between Central Asia and Europe thanks to the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars projects and the modernization of the port of Alat.   An equally interesting topic was the development of the southern route connecting Uzbekistan with the ports of Pakistan via Afghanistan. Umarova specifically noted that the initiative to create the Trans-Afghan railway belongs to Uzbekistan and was launched even before the Ukrainian crisis. This project is seen not only as a way to diversify export routes, but also as a means of strengthening Uzbekistan's geo-economic significance. It provides the region with access to the Indian Ocean and an alternative to Iranian and Russian routes, which is particularly relevant in light of sanctions and instability.   The interview also touched on the political and logistical nuances of supplying strategic goods, such as uranium from Uzbekistan to France. Ms Umarova emphasized that despite restrictions related to Azerbaijan’s position and geopolitical tensions, deliveries via Russia continue, as rail links are still functioning. An important part of her speech was devoted to the idea that small states such as Uzbekistan can be independent initiators and actors in logistics strategy, rather than merely objects of external influence.   In conclusion, Nargiza Umarova pointed out that modern competition in transport policy goes beyond the traditional understanding of infrastructure — it includes digitalization, tariff harmonization, environmental aspects and political stability. The formation of sustainable, multi-variant logistics links is becoming a priority for Central Asia, and the ability of the countries in the region to act in a coordinated manner will determine whether they can turn their transit position into a strategic advantage.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In an article published in the Samarkand newspaper of the Samarkand City Council of People’s Deputies and City Administration, Ashwin Raghuraman, a Visiting Junior Fellow at IAIS, noted that during his visit to Samarkand, he directly studied the tourism potential of New Uzbekistan and the opportunities created for visitors. He emphasized that, together with local specialists, he studied the processes of restoration and equipping the infrastructure of such unique monuments of the city as the Registan complex, the Gur Emir mausoleum, and the Shahi Zinda complex.   Raghuraman also noted that Samarkand’s modern hotel network, bus and rail connections, and cultural events create an attractive and comfortable environment for international tourists.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Abbos Bobokhonov, Head of the IAIS’s Centre for Asia-Pacific Studies, emphasized the importance of the tariff negotiations between the United States and China in London in an interview with Kun.uz. According to him, the composition of the representatives who participated in the negotiations demonstrated not only the economic but also the political priority of this issue for the US, clearly showing its strategic importance.   Bobokhonov also expressed his opinion on customs tariffs and trade relations that currently exist between China and the US. He said that the London framework agreement is expected to reduce barriers between the two economies and restore confidence in the market.   During the negotiations, the importance of China’s rare earth metals became a separate topic of discussion. Bobokhonov emphasized that without these metals, major US defense and high-tech projects would practically come to a standstill, as modern radar systems, electric vehicle batteries and various industrial processes depend on this raw material. Therefore, if Beijing temporarily suspends exports, there is a possibility of sharp disruptions in the global supply chain.   In the interview, the expert also touched on Donald Trump’s tariff policy and pointed out its internal outcomes. In his opinion, high domestic tariffs have put pressure on domestic consumers and exporting companies, accelerated price inflation and caused a shortage of raw materials in some strategic sectors.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In an interview with Paradigma.uz, Nargiza Umarova notes that various clashes and conflicts around the world have a significant impact on Uzbekistan’s transport routes. According to her, Russia’s military actions against Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and the situation in Afghanistan are forcing a rethink of regional logistics networks. These factors create the basis not only for the redirection of transit flows, but also for the accelerated development of new transport corridors.   Umarova believes that security threats and financial risks arising from wars directly affect the stability of transit routes. Due to conflicts in Russia and Ukraine, freight transportation in the northern direction has become problematic, forcing Uzbekistan to look for alternative routes. As a result, ideas for developing southern routes through Afghanistan have gained momentum among Central Asian countries. In particular, special attention is being paid to railway projects through Kabul and Kandahar.   In an interview, Nargiza Umarova also notes the growing interest in maritime transit routes due to instability in the Middle East. As transit routes between the east and west are being redirected, there is an opportunity to place Uzbekistan in an even more important position on the international logistics map via Afghanistan and Turkey. According to her, in such conditions, she calls on countries to pursue effective foreign policies, optimize logistics strategies and create sustainable transit infrastructure.   Umarova also analyses the impact of wars on regional cooperation formats and recommends exploring opportunities for new partnerships to diversify Uzbekistan’s transport corridors. For example, as the situation in Afghanistan stabilizes, the importance of the Kabul Corridor project, initiated by the President of Uzbekistan, is increasing. At the same time, she emphasizes the need to build new intermodal terminals and logistics centers in cooperation with Turkey and Iran, as they will contribute to improving the safety and efficiency of routes.   At the end of the interview, Nargiza Umarova notes the need to strengthen sustainable integration and develop digital infrastructure between the countries of Central Asia in order to overcome the negative consequences of wars. As a solution, it is important not only to open new corridors, but also to technologically upgrade existing roads, simplify customs procedures and review transit agreements. In this way, Uzbekistan will be able to further strengthen its position in the regional logistics system.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Odilbek Manabov, a Leading Research Fellow at IAIS, took part in the “International View” program on the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel, where he commented in detail on the current aspects of the development of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Italy. During the interview, Manabov emphasised that in recent years, cooperation between the two countries has significantly expanded and deepened in both the political and economic spheres.   The expert noted that over the past year, Italy was the country from which the largest number of tourists from the EU arrived. He explained that this is due not only to direct flights, but also to the growing popularity of Uzbekistan’s cultural and historical heritage among the Italian public.   He also analysed the meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which took place in Samarkand. The speaker pointed out that, following the talks, several important agreements were signed in the areas of investment, tourism, ecology and education. Particular emphasis was placed on the intention of both sides to develop joint environmental projects aimed at conserving water resources and combating desertification, which is in line with sustainable development priorities.   In the field of education, an agreement was reached to expand academic mobility programmes — Italian universities will open additional grants for students and postgraduates from Uzbekistan, while Uzbek universities will facilitate the exchange of teaching staff and internships.   According to him, the successful implementation of the signed agreements in the coming months will strengthen economic growth, increase the country’s investment attractiveness and expand opportunities for young people through educational and cultural exchanges.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Another interview published on the Paradigma.uz platform discussed the likelihood of further escalation of the Kashmir conflict against the backdrop of successive regional wars in the 20s of the 21st century. First the large-scale war between Russia and Ukraine and then the conflicts between Israel and Gaza have severely tested the international security architecture.   Now the problem of Kashmir, which has remained unresolved for almost a century, is once again coming to the center of attention of world politics. IAIS experts Islomkhon Gafarov and Hamza Boltaev shared their views in an interview.   During the interview, Islomkhon Gafarov expressed his opinion: “Today, much in the world is decided by force, not by law. The democratic bloc is on India's side in this regard”.   Hamza Boltaev, taking into account the balance of power in the region, military and economic factors, emphasized that any armed conflict started in South Asia poses a direct threat to the security of Central Asia.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.