(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM) In a move that strengthens India’s growing energy diplomacy and showcases its proactive approach to clean coal technologies, a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Coal, led by Additional Secretary Rupinder Brar, recently visited Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The strategic visit focused on deepening cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in the fields of coal mining, coal gasification, and energy investments.

The delegation engaged in wide-ranging discussions with Deputy Minister for Geology and Mining, Yusupov Rustam Payzraxmanovich, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and the Department of Investments of Uzbekistan. The interactions aimed to explore synergies in exploration, technology transfer, and sustainable practices in the mining and energy sectors.

Adding diplomatic weight to the visit, India’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Ms. Smita Pant, also participated in the talks, underlining the importance New Delhi places on its growing partnership with Tashkent in the area of natural resource development and energy transition.

The delegation’s itinerary included an important field visit to a coal mining site and a cutting-edge coal gasification facility in Angren. The exposure to Uzbekistan’s mining operations and its coal-to-gas infrastructure offered Indian officials valuable insights into best practices, environmental safeguards, and technological innovations that could be adapted for Indian conditions.

Coal gasification, a cleaner and more efficient method of energy production from coal, has been a key focus area for India’s Ministry of Coal. The visit to Angren is seen as a critical step in India’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce import dependency, and align with sustainable development goals.

The Tashkent mission also laid the groundwork for future collaborative projects, particularly in joint research and investment facilitation. With Central Asia’s abundant natural resources and India’s rising technological and industrial capabilities, the potential for mutual growth remains substantial.

This diplomatic and technical outreach by the Ministry of Coal reflects India’s broader vision of engaging with energy-rich nations to co-create solutions for energy security, environmental responsibility, and industrial modernization. As the two countries explore next steps, the visit to Uzbekistan could well be a precursor to long-term strategic energy collaboration.