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India Uzbekistan 

In a notable stride towards fortifying bilateral relations, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff, undertook a significant initiative during his visit to Uzbekistan from April 15-18. The inauguration of a state-of-the-art IT Laboratory at the Uzbek Academy of Armed Forces underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation in defense and technology.

This collaborative endeavor stems from a commitment made during the Defence Ministers' meeting in September 2018, where discussions laid the groundwork for enhancing defense cooperation. The request to establish an IT Lab was initiated during this high-level dialogue and subsequently gained traction with official approval in 2019. Funded through the Ministry of External Affairs' initiative, the project received a budget of Rs 8.5 crore, exceeding the initially envisaged Rs 6.5 crore.

An Indian firm secured the contract and efficiently executed the project, ensuring the timely completion and operational readiness of the lab. The facility boasts nine rooms, each equipped with specialized technology catering to various aspects of IT education and training. These rooms include lecture halls, a Cybersecurity Lab, Hardware Programming Lab, Object-Oriented Programming Lab, Web Programming Lab, Server Room, Multimedia Room, and Virtual Reality Room.

Moreover, the IT Laboratory is furnished with essential amenities such as video conferencing terminals, interactive panels, networking devices, and an array of computing equipment including high-end PCs, workstations, laptops, printers, cameras, scanners, and storage devices.

Beyond its technological significance, the establishment of this lab symbolizes a tangible step towards fostering a deeper understanding and cooperation between India and Uzbekistan. It not only enriches the training resources available to the Uzbek armed forces but also serves as a testament to the expanding partnership between the two nations.

Moving forward, the collaborative initiative is poised to yield enduring benefits, facilitating skill development, knowledge exchange, and joint endeavors in defense and technology. The inauguration of the IT lab marks a milestone in the journey of India-Uzbekistan relations, promising a future characterized by mutual growth, cooperation, and shared prosperity.