The issue of Uzbekistan’s interaction with the Taliban in the context of the transfer of US helicopters to the Afghan people remains a matter of diplomatic calculations. As Dr Islomkhon Gafarov, senior research fellow at the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies, noted in an interview with Paradigma.uz, Tashkent's position on this issue is formed on the basis of international law, national interests and strategic partnership with key powers. Uzbekistan maintains a pragmatic approach focused on maintaining stability in the region and preventing escalation of tensions. The return of US helicopters was part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening dialogue with Washington, as well as preventing the use of this equipment in unpredictable scenarios.   Dr Gafarov stressed that the Taliban’s demands for the transfer of helicopters back to Afghanistan are unlikely to be met, as they contradict the logic of the agreements between Tashkent and Washington. However, this does not mean that Uzbekistan completely ignores the Taliban’s position. Bilateral contacts continue in the economic and humanitarian spheres, especially in trade, electricity supplies and food security. At the same time, Uzbekistan remains in dialogue with international partners, including the United States, to develop the most balanced policy towards Afghanistan without creating precedents that could affect its own security and international reputation.   * 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.

During his appearance on the International View programme of Uzbekistan 24 TV channel, Dr Islomkhon Gafarov, senior research fellow at the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies, analyzed the outcome of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States.   The expert elaborated on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project, which is an ambitious initiative aimed at strengthening economic and transport links between these regions. The corridor has not only transport but also strategic importance, helping to strengthen economic integration between the participating countries, create new jobs and develop infrastructure.   However, for the successful implementation of the project, a number of barriers need to be overcome, including political differences between Middle Eastern countries, as well as ensuring stability and security along the route. Dr Gafarov noted that the US and India play a key role in driving the initiative forward as both countries are interested in creating sustainable economic ties and reducing dependence on traditional routes.   The countries are actively developing partnerships in defense, high technology and education. Indian students account for 21 per cent of the total number of international students in American universities, which underlines the importance of educational and cultural ties between the two countries.   In addition, the expert emphasized that the US-India strategic partnership continues to grow stronger, covering more areas, and has great potential for further development, which will contribute to stability and prosperity both in the region and the world at large.   Dr Gafarov concluded his analysis by noting that Narendra Modi’s visit to the US underscores the importance of the strategic partnership between the world’s two largest democracies. Despite some differences, both countries have demonstrated a willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation in key areas, which could have long-term positive implications for both the South Asian region and global politics in general.   * 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 the latest episode of the “International View” program on the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel, Fazliddin Djamalov conducted a detailed analysis of Donald Trump’s decree on increasing tariffs against Washington’s three largest trading partners – China, Canada, and Mexico. He examined the economic motivation behind this move, its consequences for global markets, and the reaction of the affected countries.   He paid special attention to the trade and economic relations between the US and China, analyzing their dynamics, the impact of Trump’s tariff policy on bilateral trade turnover, as well as the consequences for the world economy, especially for developing countries. He noted that Washington’s protectionist policy could have a significant impact on supply chains, investment flows, and the competitiveness of American companies in the international market.   Furthermore, the expert assessed the broader implications of Trump’s statements and economic policies, examining their influence on US foreign policy strategy, the transformation of global trade architecture, and changes in approaches to economic diplomacy. According to the expert, the actions of the Trump administration will become an important factor determining the further development of the global trade system and economic competition between the leading powers.   * 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.

Fazliddin Djamalov, a leading researcher at the IAIS Centre for American Studies, took part in the next edition of the analytical programme “International View” on Uzbekistan 24 TV channel. The expert presented his vision of the key accents of the inaugural speech of the 47th US President Donald Trump, emphasising its strategic directions in both domestic and foreign policy.   He drew attention to the presence of leaders of the largest US technology companies at the inauguration, which, according to him, emphasises the importance of the technology sector in the political and economic agenda of the country. In addition, he noted Trump’s emphasis on the “industrial renaissance” in the energy sector, which indicates the president’s intention to strengthen the US position in the field of energy independence. The expert also highlighted other key aspects of domestic policy, including strengthening control over illegal migration and strengthening border security.   In the foreign policy part of Trump’s speech, according to Djamalov, special attention was paid to the intention to resolve international conflicts, as well as to the advancement of US claims to strategically important territories within the American continent.   Speaking about the president’s plans for the first 100 days, the expert emphasised that Trump’s main task will be to form a strong and capable cabinet, as well as measures to preserve the dominant position of the US as a leader in the technological sphere.   Fazliddin Djamalov paid special attention to the impact of Donald Trump’s arrival on the development of relations between the US and Uzbekistan, as well as Central Asian countries. He noted that strategic cooperation, business partnership and further development of the C5+1 platform can help strengthen ties between the countries, opening new opportunities for bilateral and multilateral interaction.   * 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.

Dr Azamat Seitov, Head of the Laboratory for Anthropology and Conflict Studies, shared his expert opinion on the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway with the Kyrgyz national news agency Kabar.kg. “The preparation of technical documentation has been finalised in a short time, which shows the interest of all parties. In my opinion, the current start of construction is the result of the development of close and multifaceted co-operation of the Central Asian countries. And these important practical steps are a clear reflection of such processes”, Dr Seitov stressed.   He believes that the long-awaited commissioning will make it possible to effectively serve the increasing volumes of freight traffic, significantly reduce the time and cost of their transport. Moreover, the expert stressed that Kyrgyzstan is an important strategic partner, nearest neighbour and time-tested friend for Uzbekistan. Moreover, the parties have managed to bring bilateral relations to a whole new level in recent years.   Read the full story   * 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.

Fazliddin Djamalov, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS), took part in the next edition of the programme “International View” (“Xalqaro nigoh”) on Uzbekistan 24 TV channel. During the broadcast, he presented a detailed analysis of the key results of the G20 summit, which was held in Rio de Janeiro under the presidency of Brazil, noting that the theme of the meeting was the slogan: “Building a just world and a sustainable planet”, which set the vector of discussions at the highest level.   The expert noted that the G20 retains the status of the most representative informal platform for discussing global economic and political challenges. However, in his opinion, the summit results demonstrated a significant shift in the focus of priorities. Whereas previously the focus was on the global economy, this year the emphasis has shifted to reforming international organisations and global governance.   It was emphasised that special attention at the summit was paid to the issues of humanitarian aid aimed at combating poverty and hunger, as well as ensuring social justice. Mr Djamalov stressed that these initiatives, along with the economic agenda, create a basis for strengthening the resilience of the global community in the face of modern challenges.   In his speech, he also touched upon the importance of the summit outcomes for Central Asia and Uzbekistan in particular. According to him, global changes in the system of governance and increasing humanitarian aid open new opportunities for the region in the context of international cooperation, improving the socio-economic situation and enhancing the quality of life of the population.   Fazliddin Djamalov’s view underscores the importance of expert analysis and informing a wide audience about key events of international level that influence the development prospects of Uzbekistan and the region as a whole.   * 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.