On September 1, the Independence Day of Uzbekistan, one of India’s most famous architectural monuments, the Qutb Minar in Delhi, was illuminated for the first time in the colors of Uzbekistan’s national flag.

This event has become a symbol of respect and friendship between the Indian people and the Uzbekistan people, as well as a festive gift for the 34th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence.

India was one of the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence on December 26, 1991. On March 18, 1992, a protocol establishing diplomatic relations was signed in Tashkent. Over the past years, relations between Uzbekistan and India have consistently strengthened, and in recent years, they have gained special momentum. By the end of 2024, the volume of mutual trade reached almost $1 billion.

Traditionally, events in honor of Uzbekistan’s Independence Day are held annually in India, and publications on this topic appear in the country’s leading media. This year, the holiday was celebrated especially solemnly: for the first time in history, the colors of Uzbekistan’s flag shone on the tallest brick minaret in the world.

The Qutb Minar was founded in 1193 by the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, Qutb ud-Din Aibak, and completed in the 14th century. Its height is 72.6 meters. In 1993, the complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Aziza Alimova, UzA