India decided to finalise a long-term arrangement with Uzbekistan for the supply of uranium. This is seen as a part of India's goal of achieving 100 gw of nuclear capacity by 2047, when the completes hundred years of independence.

India locks in uranium from Uzbekistan, targets nuclear superpower status

This is PM Modi’s 4th trip to Uzbekistan, and it comes with big numbers attached. Trade crossed $1.3 billion in 2025, India-China trade is up 24% in the first half of 2026, and India is now eyeing 75% of its global trade via FTAs. The timing matters. The 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on Aug 31-Sept 1 marks 25 years of the Eurasian bloc, and India is asking a real question — can Central Asia help us diversify beyond China? Over 4 days in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the focus is connectivity, energy, critical minerals, and new corridors. It’s not just diplomacy, it’s trade insurance. 


PM Modi's Central Asia push: Can Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan help India diversify trade?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking the first leg of his four-day Central Asia tour. During his visit, PM Modi is expected to hold high-level talks with Uzbekistan’s leadership, with trade and investment, defence cooperation, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties high on the agenda.

The visit comes as India and Uzbekistan look to deepen their strategic partnership and expand cooperation across key sectors. Discussions are also expected to focus on strengthening connectivity and setting a roadmap for the next phase of bilateral relations.

After Uzbekistan, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit. Regional security, counterterrorism, connectivity, economic cooperation and stronger engagement with Central Asia are expected to remain key priorities for India.

Big boost to India-Uzbekistan ties on trade & investment 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a four-day diplomatic outreach to Central Asia, starting with Uzbekistan before heading to Kyrgyzstan for the 26th SCO summit. The visit will focus on trade, connectivity and security with a key meeting on the sidelines with Russian president Vladimir Putin also on the cards. Let's break down the numbers behind this Eurasian push.


 SCO Summit: India-Eurasia trade take centre stage 

SCO Summit 2026: PM recieves grand welcome from Indian diaspora in Tashkent

PM MODI IN UZBEKISTAN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening India-Uzbekistan bilateral relations.

PM Modi was welcomed by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with the two leaders set to hold discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual importance.

The visit will focus on the entire spectrum of India-Uzbekistan relations, including their longstanding civilizational and people-to-people ties. Key areas of cooperation include trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people exchanges.

Tashkent has been decorated with Indian flags ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, reflecting the importance attached to the bilateral relationship.

During his visit, PM Modi is also scheduled to visit Yangi Uzbekistan Park and participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Independence Monument, a traditional diplomatic gesture of respect.

The Yangi Uzbekistan Park spans approximately 104 hectares and is described as one of the country's major recreational spaces.

PM Modi in Uzbekistan | PM Narendra Modi Arrives In Tashkent For Two-Day Visit 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent on Saturday to begin a four-day, two-nation tour of Central Asia, combining a state visit to Uzbekistan with attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan.&nbsp;Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the Indian PM at the airport. The welcome marked the start of the first leg of the visit, which officials describe as an effort to deepen India’s strategic partnerships in a region New Delhi regards as part of its extended neighbourhood.&nbsp;The trip runs from 29 August to 1 September. Mr Modi will hold delegation-level talks with Mr Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on Sunday before flying to Bishkek for the 26th SCO summit on 31 August and 1 September. It is the Indian prime minister’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-must-order-fir-rahul-gandhi-demands-sc-st-act-case-over-haldwani-purification-row-1788007212232">‘PM Modi must order FIR’: Rahul Gandhi demands SC/ST Act case over Haldwani purification row</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Source: ANI) <a href="https://t.co/wPjnYXuI4Q">pic.twitter.com/wPjnYXuI4Q</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2093690791348826611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a departure statement issued as he left New Delhi, PM Modi said the India–Uzbekistan strategic partnership had advanced significantly in recent years. He said he looked forward to discussions on trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy, and on aligning India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision with Uzbekistan’s development plans. He is also expected to visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial in Tashkent and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.&nbsp;From Uzbekistan, Mr Modi will travel to the Kyrgyz capital at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov. The SCO meeting marks 25 years of the grouping, of which India has been a full member since 2017.&nbsp;Indian PM said he would advance India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity, and work with fellow members for a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism. He is also due to attend the opening of the sixth World Nomad Games.&nbsp;Ahead of the visit, India’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Birender Singh Yadav, speaking to WION, said that the visit would give “fresh direction” to India–Kyrgyzstan strategic ties. The envoy said defence and security cooperation and people-to-people contacts had “expanded markedly,” including specialised counter-terrorism courses tailored to Kyrgyz requirements and an increase in joint exercises.&nbsp;The visit comes as New Delhi seeks to strengthen trade, energy and connectivity links across Central Asia while using the SCO platform to press its long-standing concerns about terrorism.

PM Modi arrived in Tashkent for a four-day Central Asia tour that includes a state visit to Uzbekistan and the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan, with India seeking to strengthen ties on trade, defence, energy, connectivity and regional security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent on Saturday to begin a four-day, two-nation tour of Central Asia, combining a state visit to Uzbekistan with attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the Indian PM at the airport. The welcome marked the start of the first leg of the visit, which officials describe as an effort to deepen India’s strategic partnerships in a region New Delhi regards as part of its extended neighbourhood. The trip runs from 29 August to 1 September. Mr Modi will hold delegation-level talks with Mr Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on Sunday before flying to Bishkek for the 26th SCO summit on 31 August and 1 September. It is the Indian prime minister’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan. Also Read: ‘PM Modi must order FIR’: Rahul Gandhi demands SC/ST Act case over Haldwani purification row

PM Modi arrived in Tashkent for a four-day Central Asia tour that includes a state visit to Uzbekistan and the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan, with India seeking to strengthen ties on trade, defence, energy, connectivity and regional security.

PM Modi reaches Uzbekistan as he begins 2 nation visit to Central Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan from August 29-30 for talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The visit will focus on strengthening India-Uzbekistan ties across trade, defence, energy, digital connectivity, education and investment.

SCO Summit 2026: PM Modi to hold talks with Uzbekistan prez

A 21-year-old medical student from Kerala was killed in Uzbekistan allegedly by her classmate, who is also from the state. The victim’s family has alleged in a police complaint filed in Kerala that she was being forced into religious conversion.&nbsp;The victim, identified as Sawariya Basanth, 21, a native of Harippad in Alappuzha district, was a first-year medical student at Bukhara State Medical Institute in Uzbekistan.&nbsp;The accused, Sadarul Anam, 22, hails from Pulamanthol in Malappuram district. He was arrested following the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Body flown to Kerala, second postmortem conducted</h2>&nbsp;Sawariya’s body was flown to Kerala, where a second postmortem was conducted on Thursday following a complaint from her family. The Harippad Police also registered a murder case based on a complaint filed by Sawariya’s father, Basanth, who is employed in Kuwait.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-killed-mostly-foreigners-19-missing-in-spain-s-devastating-wildfire-toll-may-go-up-1783684567807">Foreigners among 12 killed, 23 missing in Spain’s devastating wildfire; toll may go up</a>&nbsp;Harippad SHO V Vishnu said, “We have registered a case under section 103 (murder) of BNS. We are yet to get official details of the crime from law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan. The postmortem conducted in Alappuzha medical college has prima facie indications of physical assault. We will examine the legal standing of the case registered in Kerala for the crime recorded in Uzbekistan.”&nbsp;<h2>Sadarul had been forcing Sawariya to convert, says uncle&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Basanth’s relative Janeesh told mediapersons that the accused Sadarul had been “forcing Sawariya to convert”.“Her classmates had informed us that she was physically assaulted many times. He had been forcing her to get converted, but she resisted it. Her friends are privy to these incidents,” Janeesh said.&nbsp;Sawariya died after Sadarul allegedly assaulted her and struck her on the head during a heated argument in Uzbekistan, causing her death. Her family has alleged that the attack was far more brutal than initially reported.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-death-to-come-on-my-own-soil-sheikh-hasina-party-leaders-to-return-surrender-in-december-1783679799431">‘Want death to come on my own soil’: Sheikh Hasina says will return, surrender in December</a>&nbsp;He said the investigating officer also told him that some students had informed investigators that the accused had allegedly been pressuring Savariya to convert before the incident.&nbsp;“She [Investigating officer] also said that in her investigation, some of the students told her that the accused pressured her for religious conversion, and some students even saw that. But Savariya did not agree... This was also communicated to the embassy officer who came there,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>‘There were injury marks from head to toe on her body’</h2>Janeesh, Savariya’s uncle, said an investigating officer in Uzbekistan told him that the victim had injuries all over her body, suggesting she had been subjected to a prolonged assault.“There were injury marks from head to toe on her body. It was not like he killed her in one minute with a laptop. The investigating officer told me it was done brutally,” Janeesh said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-hiv-outbreak-health-minister-mustafa-kamal-blames-night-party-goers-for-child-infections-1783677297132">Pakistan HIV outbreak: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal blames 'night party goers' for infections</a>&nbsp;Police registered a murder case based on the family’s complaint. A second post-mortem examination was conducted at the local hospital.&nbsp;The family is demanding that the investigation be carried out in Kerala and that the accused be extradited from Uzbekistan to face legal proceedings in India.

Sawariya died after Sadarul allegedly struck her on the head during an argument in Uzbekistan. Her family has alleged that the attack was far more brutal than reported. Savariya’s uncle Janeesh said an investigating officer in Uzbekistan told him that she had injuries all over her body.

A 21-year-old medical student from Kerala was killed in Uzbekistan allegedly by her classmate, who is also from the state. The victim’s family has alleged in a police complaint filed in Kerala that she was being forced into religious conversion. The victim, identified as Sawariya Basanth, 21, a native of Harippad in Alappuzha district, was a first-year medical student at Bukhara State Medical Institute in Uzbekistan. The accused, Sadarul Anam, 22, hails from Pulamanthol in Malappuram district. He was arrested following the incident. Body flown to Kerala, second postmortem conducted Sawariya’s body was flown to Kerala, where a second postmortem was conducted on Thursday following a complaint from her family. The Harippad Police also registered a murder case based on a complaint filed by Sawariya’s father, Basanth, who is employed in Kuwait. Also Read: Foreigners among 12 killed, 23 missing in Spain’s devastating wildfire; toll may go up Harippad SHO V Vishnu said, “We have registered a case under section 103 (murder) of BNS. We are yet to get official details of the crime from law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan. The postmortem conducted in Alappuzha medical college has prima facie indications of physical assault. We will examine the legal standing of the case registered in Kerala for the crime recorded in Uzbekistan.” Sadarul had been forcing Sawariya to convert, says uncle Basanth’s relative Janeesh told mediapersons that the accused Sadarul had been “forcing Sawariya to convert”. “Her classmates had informed us that she was physically assaulted many times. He had been forcing her to get converted, but she resisted it. Her friends are privy to these incidents,” Janeesh said. Sawariya died after Sadarul allegedly assaulted her and struck her on the head during a heated argument in Uzbekistan, causing her death. Her family has alleged that the attack was far more brutal than initially reported. Also Read: ‘Want death to come on my own soil’: Sheikh Hasina says will return, surrender in December He said the investigating officer also told him that some students had informed investigators that the accused had allegedly been pressuring Savariya to convert before the incident. “She [Investigating officer] also said that in her investigation, some of the students told her that the accused pressured her for religious conversion, and some students even saw that. But Savariya did not agree... This was also communicated to the embassy officer who came there,” he said. ‘There were injury marks from head to toe on her body’ Janeesh, Savariya’s uncle, said an investigating officer in Uzbekistan told him that the victim had injuries all over her body, suggesting she had been subjected to a prolonged assault. “There were injury marks from head to toe on her body. It was not like he killed her in one minute with a laptop. The investigating officer told me it was done brutally,” Janeesh said. Also Read: Pakistan HIV outbreak: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal blames 'night party goers' for infections Police registered a murder case based on the family’s complaint. A second post-mortem examination was conducted at the local hospital. The family is demanding that the investigation be carried out in Kerala and that the accused be extradited from Uzbekistan to face legal proceedings in India.

Sawariya died after Sadarul allegedly struck her on the head during an argument in Uzbekistan. Her family has alleged that the attack was far more brutal than reported. Savariya’s uncle Janeesh said an investigating officer in Uzbekistan told him that she had injuries all over her body.

Medical student from Kerala killed in Uzbekistan; family alleges forced conversion bid

Gulnara Karimova, daughter of former Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, is facing a major trial in absentia in Switzerland over alleged bribery and money laundering involving hundreds of millions of dollars. Swiss prosecutors claim she ran a criminal network known as “The Office,” which allegedly moved illicit funds through international channels and hid valuables including cash and jewelry. The high-profile case has drawn global attention to corruption and offshore wealth networks.


Gulnara Karimova: The Former Uzbek President's Daughter Who Ran an Extortion Ring 

With Uzbekistan and Jordan qualifying for their maiden FIFA World Cup 2026. Let us have a glance at the six teams that booked their World Cup berth in June 2025.

With Uzbekistan and Jordan qualifying for their maiden FIFA World Cup 2026. Let's have a glance at the six teams that booked their World Cup berth in June 2025.

FIFA World Cup 2026 : From Australia to Brazil, 6 countries that punched their tickets during June qualifiers

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Uzbekistan to get nuclear power plant - Sri Lanka holds rates to tame inflation - India heatwave: 3,622 heatstroke patients in Rajasthan - Strike on camp 'tragic': Netanyahu - Cyclone 'Remal' lashes Bangladesh - Papua New Guinea evacuates 7,900 amid new landslide fears

Uzbekistan to get nuclear power plant | Sri Lanka holds rates to tame inflation

Russian President Vladimir Putin, making his third foreign trip since his re-election in March, arrived in ex-Soviet Uzbekistan on Sunday and met with his counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev ahead of the start of formal talks.

Russian President Putin visits Tashkent, meets with Uzbek counterpart

On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Tel Aviv to declare his nation's 'full solidarity' with Israel. Following that incident, Macron was scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convey France's "complete solidarity" with Israel, according to the French presidency.

Uzbekistan is transforming, says French President Emmanuel Macron

Uzbekistan state prosecutors on Wednesday (August 16) alleged that distributors of a contaminated Indian cough syrup that killed 65 children in the country bribed local officials with $33,000 to go around mandatory testing.

Uzbekistan has put 21 people on trial: 20 Uzbeks and one Indian. The allegations have, for the first time, made public a much higher death toll.&nbsp;

Three of the defendants (an Indian and two Uzbekistan nationals) are executives of Quramax Medical, a company that sold medicines produced by India’s Marion Biotech, in Uzbekistan.

State prosecutor Saidkarim Akilov said that Quramax CEO Singh Raghvendra Pratar allegedly bribed officials at the state centre for expertise and standardisation of medicinal products. The bribe of $33,000 was allegedly paid so that mandatory inspection of products would be skipped.

It was unclear from the prosecutor’s statement whether the inspection was supposed to involve tests in Uzbekistan, or a request for tests to be carried out by the producer in India.

Pratar spoke in court and denied the charges. However, he admitted to handing over the sum to Uzbek officials through an intermediary as a "token of appreciation". Pratar claimed that he had no idea as to how and by whom the money was later used.

Seven of the 21 defendants have pleaded guilty to at least some of the charges levelled against them.

These include tax evasion, sale of substandard or counterfeit medicines, abuse of office, negligence, forgery, and bribery.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-people-die-in-new-york-due-to-flesh-eating-bacteria-626271">Three people die in New York due to 'flesh-eating' bacteria</a>

Officials have not said why 45 deaths had remained unreported since last year.

On Wednesday, state prosecutors also said that Quramax had imported the medicines at an inflated price. The medicines were bought via two Singapore-based intermediary companies, they said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Uzbekistan state prosecutors on Wednesday (August 16) alleged that distributors of a contaminated Indian cough syrup that killed 65 children in the country bribed local officials with $33,000 to go around mandatory testing.

Uzbekistan state prosecutors on Wednesday (August 16) alleged that distributors of a contaminated Indian cough syrup that killed 65 children in the country bribed local officials with $33,000 to go around mandatory testing. Uzbekistan has put 21 people on trial: 20 Uzbeks and one Indian. The allegations have, for the first time, made public a much higher death toll. Three of the defendants (an Indian and two Uzbekistan nationals) are executives of Quramax Medical, a company that sold medicines produced by India’s Marion Biotech, in Uzbekistan. State prosecutor Saidkarim Akilov said that Quramax CEO Singh Raghvendra Pratar allegedly bribed officials at the state centre for expertise and standardisation of medicinal products. The bribe of $33,000 was allegedly paid so that mandatory inspection of products would be skipped. It was unclear from the prosecutor’s statement whether the inspection was supposed to involve tests in Uzbekistan, or a request for tests to be carried out by the producer in India. Pratar spoke in court and denied the charges. However, he admitted to handing over the sum to Uzbek officials through an intermediary as a "token of appreciation". Pratar claimed that he had no idea as to how and by whom the money was later used. Seven of the 21 defendants have pleaded guilty to at least some of the charges levelled against them. These include tax evasion, sale of substandard or counterfeit medicines, abuse of office, negligence, forgery, and bribery. Also Read | Three people die in New York due to 'flesh-eating' bacteria Officials have not said why 45 deaths had remained unreported since last year. On Wednesday, state prosecutors also said that Quramax had imported the medicines at an inflated price. The medicines were bought via two Singapore-based intermediary companies, they said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Uzbekistan starts trial against 21 for bribery enabling sale of contaminated Indian cough syrup

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was re-elected for a seven-year term as he won Sunday's (July 9) snap election with 87 per cent of the vote, the Central Election Commission said on Monday, citing preliminary results.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was re-elected for a seven-year term as he won Sunday's (July 9) snap election with 87 per cent of the vote, the Central Election Commission said on Monday, citing preliminary results. With this victory, President Mirziyoyev will remain in office until 2030. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Mirziyoyev on his re-election. Mirziyoyev, who has been in power since 2016, called for the snap election after changing the constitution through a referendum which reset his term count and extended the presidential term to seven years from five. Sunday's presidential election in Uzbekistan was the seventh such poll held since gaining independence in 1991. More than 10,000 polling stations were set up across the country for Sunday's vote. Before the election, citizens told AFP that they would be voting for Mirziyoyev, who competed against three largely unknown candidates. "These are my first elections. I will be voting for Shavkat Mirziyoyev because I want there to be more opportunities for young people and places to study," 18-year-old Milana Yuldasheva said. The poll campaign President Mirziyoyev focused his election campaign on the economy and education. The 65-year-old has opened up Uzbekistan to foreign trade and investment while also easing restrictions on religious and political freedoms. Mirziyoyev also said that he aimed to double the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to $160 billion soon. Mirziyoyev had previously served as the prime minister under Islam Karimov before winning his first term in 2016 and getting re-elected in 2021. An artificial opposition Despite the socio-economic reforms, Uzbekistan remains a tightly controlled state. According to a report by the news agency AFP, non-government organisations (NGOs) have said that human rights records are better than under Karimov but there is still much to improve, and the authorities have shown no sign of allowing a real opposition to emerge. Speaking to AFP ahead of the snap election, Uzbek political expert Farkhod Talipov said, "The victory of the incumbent president is obvious. All the other candidates are completely unknown and unpopular. Their candidacies are just an artificial way of showing a political struggle that does not exist." On the other hand, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said the campaign had been "low-key, mirroring lack of opposition to the incumbent." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Uzbekistan snap election: President Mirziyoyev re-elected for seven-year term, to be in office until 2030

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit next week, the Uzbekistan Ambassador to India Dilshod Akhatov has said that Tashkent supports events and initiatives under India's SCO presidency.

Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, ambassador Akhatov said, “The ongoing Indian Presidency of the SCO has shown that the Organisation is transforming into one of cultural-humanitarian and transport-economic cooperation.”&nbsp;India became a member of the grouping in 2017, and for the first time is chairing the group. It will be holding a virtual summit of the grouping on July 4.&nbsp;

The ambassador explained that SCO is a “key platform for India's interaction with Central Asia” and added, “SCO is a key platform for India's interaction with Central Asia.”

Iran will become a full member of the grouping during this year’s summit. Uzbekistan was the previous chair of the grouping and hosted the summit in Samarkand in September of 2022.

WION: How do you see the SCO Presidency of India?

Dilshod Akhatov: India, during its Presidency, also paid special attention to promoting partnerships in various fields, building trust and cooperation among the members of the Organization. International events under the Indian Chairmanship, in their essence and content, covered all key areas of relations between the countries of the region: economy, tourism, education, science, medicine, culture, etc. I remember well such events as the SCO Film Festival, SCO Cultural Showcase at the Surajkund Mela, the International Fusion Music Festival, conferences of young scientists, specialists in traditional medicine, discussion of start-up projects and much more. Tashkent supports India's initiatives put forward during these events. In general, the ongoing Indian presidency of the SCO has shown that the Organization is transforming into cultural-humanitarian and transport-economic cooperation. This approach undoubtedly serves to bring the SCO Member States closer together, reinforce mutual trust and respect with partner countries, and to ease tensions and build good neighbourly relations between countries with which they have clashes of interest. This approach will remain on the foreign policy agenda of the SCO Member States in the near future. First time, India has led this dynamically developing international structure, thereby starting a cycle of chairmanship with the participation of its new member states within the framework of the SCO.

WION: How do you see SCO as a platform that brings together, India and Central Asia?

Dilshod Akhatov: It is also very important for us that the SCO is a key platform for India's interaction with Central Asia. In the prospects for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation, interconnectedness plays a special role. As you know, connectivity has emerged as a crucial factor in promoting economic integration and fostering regional cooperation. The SCO, comprising eight Member States, recognizes the significance of connectivity in achieving its goals of regional stability, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges. I would like to recall that at the last SCO summit in Samarkand, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the SCO member countries to provide transit access to each other and spoke in favour of expanding cooperation to ensure the sustainability of supply chains for the region. In this sense, the importance of efforts to use the port of Chabahar in Iran, a country that is also becoming a full member of the Organization, is multiplied. As noted by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his speech at the “Voice of Global South” Summit in January 2023, our country fully supports the development of the “North-South” international corridor, which is one of the leading transport arteries in the Eurasian region and also promoted by India.

WION: You were the previous President of the grouping, so how do you view the initiatives taken under your Presidency?

Dilshod Akhatov: For Uzbekistan, this is also significant in that Delhi took over the Chairmanship from Tashkent. During the Presidency of our country last year, more than 80 major international events were successfully held at various levels. Despite the fact that this was the first Presidency of the SCO for India, the country has organized over 100 important events covering all facets of cooperation that are on the Organization's agenda. The SCO summit took place in Samarkand in 2022. As the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized, historically Samarkand has been a melting pot of ideas and knowledge. Overall, in the 22nd Summit of the Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in September 2022 in Samarkand, the Heads of States approved a lot of various decisions and agreements. The decisions concern the Comprehensive Action Plan for 2023-2027 for implementation of provisions of the Treaty on Long-term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, to develop Interconnectivity and Greate Efficient Transport Corridors.

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Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit next week, the Uzbekistan Ambassador to India Dilshod Akhatov has said that Tashkent supports events and initiatives under India's SCO presidency.

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit next week, the Uzbekistan Ambassador to India Dilshod Akhatov has said that Tashkent supports events and initiatives under India's SCO presidency. Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, ambassador Akhatov said, “The ongoing Indian Presidency of the SCO has shown that the Organisation is transforming into one of cultural-humanitarian and transport-economic cooperation.” India became a member of the grouping in 2017, and for the first time is chairing the group. It will be holding a virtual summit of the grouping on July 4. The ambassador explained that SCO is a “key platform for India's interaction with Central Asia” and added, “SCO is a key platform for India's interaction with Central Asia.” Iran will become a full member of the grouping during this year’s summit. Uzbekistan was the previous chair of the grouping and hosted the summit in Samarkand in September of 2022. WION: How do you see the SCO Presidency of India? Dilshod Akhatov: India, during its Presidency, also paid special attention to promoting partnerships in various fields, building trust and cooperation among the members of the Organization. International events under the Indian Chairmanship, in their essence and content, covered all key areas of relations between the countries of the region: economy, tourism, education, science, medicine, culture, etc. I remember well such events as the SCO Film Festival, SCO Cultural Showcase at the Surajkund Mela, the International Fusion Music Festival, conferences of young scientists, specialists in traditional medicine, discussion of start-up projects and much more. Tashkent supports India's initiatives put forward during these events. In general, the ongoing Indian presidency of the SCO has shown that the Organization is transforming into cultural-humanitarian and transport-economic cooperation. This approach undoubtedly serves to bring the SCO Member States closer together, reinforce mutual trust and respect with partner countries, and to ease tensions and build good neighbourly relations between countries with which they have clashes of interest. This approach will remain on the foreign policy agenda of the SCO Member States in the near future. First time, India has led this dynamically developing international structure, thereby starting a cycle of chairmanship with the participation of its new member states within the framework of the SCO. WION: How do you see SCO as a platform that brings together, India and Central Asia? Dilshod Akhatov: It is also very important for us that the SCO is a key platform for India's interaction with Central Asia. In the prospects for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation, interconnectedness plays a special role. As you know, connectivity has emerged as a crucial factor in promoting economic integration and fostering regional cooperation. The SCO, comprising eight Member States, recognizes the significance of connectivity in achieving its goals of regional stability, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges. I would like to recall that at the last SCO summit in Samarkand, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the SCO member countries to provide transit access to each other and spoke in favour of expanding cooperation to ensure the sustainability of supply chains for the region. In this sense, the importance of efforts to use the port of Chabahar in Iran, a country that is also becoming a full member of the Organization, is multiplied. As noted by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his speech at the “Voice of Global South” Summit in January 2023, our country fully supports the development of the “North-South” international corridor, which is one of the leading transport arteries in the Eurasian region and also promoted by India. WION: You were the previous President of the grouping, so how do you view the initiatives taken under your Presidency? Dilshod Akhatov: For Uzbekistan, this is also significant in that Delhi took over the Chairmanship from Tashkent. During the Presidency of our country last year, more than 80 major international events were successfully held at various levels. Despite the fact that this was the first Presidency of the SCO for India, the country has organized over 100 important events covering all facets of cooperation that are on the Organization's agenda. The SCO summit took place in Samarkand in 2022. As the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized, historically Samarkand has been a melting pot of ideas and knowledge. Overall, in the 22nd Summit of the Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in September 2022 in Samarkand, the Heads of States approved a lot of various decisions and agreements. The decisions concern the Comprehensive Action Plan for 2023-2027 for implementation of provisions of the Treaty on Long-term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, to develop Interconnectivity and Greate Efficient Transport Corridors. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian presidency of SCO strengthens regional cooperation: Uzbek envoy Dilshod Akhatov

The Indian manufacturer of cough syrups that Uzbekistan said last year had poisoned 19 children had used a toxic industrial-grade ingredient rather than the legitimate pharmaceutical version, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The company, Marion Biotech, bought the ingredient — propylene glycol (PG) — from trader Maya Chemtech India, as reported by Reuters. But Maya did not have a licence to sell pharmaceutical-grade materials and "dealt in industrial-grade only," according to a source at the firm with knowledge of the Marion investigation.

"We did not know Marion was going to use it to make cough syrups," said the person, who declined to be identified while the case is investigated. "We are not told where our material is used."

The two sources said the syrup was made with industrial-grade PG, a toxic material widely used in liquid detergents, antifreeze, paints or coatings, and to enhance the effectiveness of pesticides.

"Marion bought commercial-grade propylene glycol," said a second source, an investigator, who declined to be named while the inquiry is ongoing.

"They were supposed to take Indian Pharmacopoeia-grade," the source added, referring to national standards for the composition of pharmaceutical products.

Marion also did not test the ingredient before using it in the syrups it sold to Uzbekistan, the investigator said.

India's drugs and cosmetics rules say manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety of the ingredients they use.

Maya is not facing charges, according to the company source, but the investigation is ongoing. Deepak Sharma, an Assistant Drugs Controller for the national capital territory of Delhi, where Maya is based, declined to comment, saying the case was being investigated by federal drugs authorities.

Marion, which says it deals in pharmaceuticals, herbal and cosmetics products, previously denied any wrongdoing. Neither the company nor India's drug regulator or health ministry responded to requests for comment.

An analysis last year by Uzbekistan's health ministry showed the Marion-made cough syrups, Ambronol and DOK-1 Max, contained unacceptable amounts of toxins diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG), used in products that are not for human consumption.

Uzbekistan in January arrested four people in relation to the 19 deaths, including two executives at a company that imported the Marion drugs. Reuters could not establish the status of the case.

Uzbekistan's health ministry did not respond to a question on possible penalties there.

<h2>'Spurious and adulterated'</h2>

DEG and EG have been used by unscrupulous actors as a substitute for propylene glycol because they are cheaper, according to pharmaceutical manufacturing experts.

The World Health Organization told Reuters earlier this month its working theory is that in 2021, when prices of propylene glycol spiked, one or more suppliers mixed the cheaper toxic liquids with the legitimate chemical.

Asked to comment on the ingredients used by Marion, a WHO spokesperson said, "It is important that product manufacturers only use appropriately qualified suppliers."

Tests in January by an Indian government laboratory found 22 samples of Marion-made syrups were "adulterated and spurious," the country's drug controller said in March.

Authorities in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where Marion is based, cancelled Marion's licence in March. Police arrested three of its employees and issued warrants for the arrest of two directors. The three employees have since been released on bail, said Uttar Pradesh police officer Vijay Kumar.

One of them, operations head Tuhin Bhattacharya, said he had stopped working for Marion, which Reuters could not verify. Reuters could not contact the other two, chemists Mool Singh and Atul Rawat, or their lawyers.

A lawyer for the two Marion directors told the state's Allahabad High Court in April that the drugs had been found "not of standard quality" but not adulterated, adding that the directors had not committed any offence in India as the drugs were meant exclusively for export, according to a court order seen by Reuters.

The court barred police from arresting the directors, Jaya Jain and Sachin Jain unless they had been convicted. Their lawyer, Rohan Gupta, did not respond; Reuters could not reach the directors.

India's drug regulator ordered the country's drugmakers not to buy PG from Maya in March, Reuters has reported.

<h2>Standards</h2>

Besides the deaths in Uzbekistan, at least 70 children died in Gambia last year after taking cough syrups made by another company in India that were found to be contaminated with the toxins, and tainted cough syrups made in Indonesia were linked to the deaths of more than 200 children there.

The deaths prompted an international inquiry into the pharmaceutical supply chain.

International standards allow only trace amounts of EG and DEG in pharmaceutical-grade propylene glycol. Limits for the industrial or commercial grade version are not as stringent, because they are not supposed to be ingested by humans.

The toxins were found in cough syrups exported to Gambia by the other Indian company, Maiden Pharmaceuticals. The WHO linked these syrups to the children's deaths; Maiden has denied any wrongdoing.

Gambia told India's drug regulator in June that from July 1 it would make it mandatory for all pharmaceutical products from India to be inspected and tested in India, at the cost of the Indian exporter, prior to shipment -- the first known restrictions on national exports following the deaths linked to Indian-made syrups.

India made it mandatory for companies to have their cough syrups tested before export in June.

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The Indian manufacturer of cough syrups that Uzbekistan said last year had poisoned 19 children had used a toxic industrial-grade ingredient rather than the legitimate pharmaceutical version, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The Indian manufacturer of cough syrups that Uzbekistan said last year had poisoned 19 children had used a toxic industrial-grade ingredient rather than the legitimate pharmaceutical version, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The company, Marion Biotech, bought the ingredient — propylene glycol (PG) — from trader Maya Chemtech India, as reported by Reuters. But Maya did not have a licence to sell pharmaceutical-grade materials and "dealt in industrial-grade only," according to a source at the firm with knowledge of the Marion investigation. "We did not know Marion was going to use it to make cough syrups," said the person, who declined to be identified while the case is investigated. "We are not told where our material is used." The two sources said the syrup was made with industrial-grade PG, a toxic material widely used in liquid detergents, antifreeze, paints or coatings, and to enhance the effectiveness of pesticides. "Marion bought commercial-grade propylene glycol," said a second source, an investigator, who declined to be named while the inquiry is ongoing. "They were supposed to take Indian Pharmacopoeia-grade," the source added, referring to national standards for the composition of pharmaceutical products. Marion also did not test the ingredient before using it in the syrups it sold to Uzbekistan, the investigator said. India's drugs and cosmetics rules say manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety of the ingredients they use. Maya is not facing charges, according to the company source, but the investigation is ongoing. Deepak Sharma, an Assistant Drugs Controller for the national capital territory of Delhi, where Maya is based, declined to comment, saying the case was being investigated by federal drugs authorities. Marion, which says it deals in pharmaceuticals, herbal and cosmetics products, previously denied any wrongdoing. Neither the company nor India's drug regulator or health ministry responded to requests for comment. An analysis last year by Uzbekistan's health ministry showed the Marion-made cough syrups, Ambronol and DOK-1 Max, contained unacceptable amounts of toxins diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG), used in products that are not for human consumption. Uzbekistan in January arrested four people in relation to the 19 deaths, including two executives at a company that imported the Marion drugs. Reuters could not establish the status of the case. Uzbekistan's health ministry did not respond to a question on possible penalties there. 'Spurious and adulterated' DEG and EG have been used by unscrupulous actors as a substitute for propylene glycol because they are cheaper, according to pharmaceutical manufacturing experts. The World Health Organization told Reuters earlier this month its working theory is that in 2021, when prices of propylene glycol spiked, one or more suppliers mixed the cheaper toxic liquids with the legitimate chemical. Asked to comment on the ingredients used by Marion, a WHO spokesperson said, "It is important that product manufacturers only use appropriately qualified suppliers." Tests in January by an Indian government laboratory found 22 samples of Marion-made syrups were "adulterated and spurious," the country's drug controller said in March. Authorities in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where Marion is based, cancelled Marion's licence in March. Police arrested three of its employees and issued warrants for the arrest of two directors. The three employees have since been released on bail, said Uttar Pradesh police officer Vijay Kumar. One of them, operations head Tuhin Bhattacharya, said he had stopped working for Marion, which Reuters could not verify. Reuters could not contact the other two, chemists Mool Singh and Atul Rawat, or their lawyers. A lawyer for the two Marion directors told the state's Allahabad High Court in April that the drugs had been found "not of standard quality" but not adulterated, adding that the directors had not committed any offence in India as the drugs were meant exclusively for export, according to a court order seen by Reuters. The court barred police from arresting the directors, Jaya Jain and Sachin Jain unless they had been convicted. Their lawyer, Rohan Gupta, did not respond; Reuters could not reach the directors. India's drug regulator ordered the country's drugmakers not to buy PG from Maya in March, Reuters has reported. Standards Besides the deaths in Uzbekistan, at least 70 children died in Gambia last year after taking cough syrups made by another company in India that were found to be contaminated with the toxins, and tainted cough syrups made in Indonesia were linked to the deaths of more than 200 children there. The deaths prompted an international inquiry into the pharmaceutical supply chain. International standards allow only trace amounts of EG and DEG in pharmaceutical-grade propylene glycol. Limits for the industrial or commercial grade version are not as stringent, because they are not supposed to be ingested by humans. The toxins were found in cough syrups exported to Gambia by the other Indian company, Maiden Pharmaceuticals. The WHO linked these syrups to the children's deaths; Maiden has denied any wrongdoing. Gambia told India's drug regulator in June that from July 1 it would make it mandatory for all pharmaceutical products from India to be inspected and tested in India, at the cost of the Indian exporter, prior to shipment -- the first known restrictions on national exports following the deaths linked to Indian-made syrups. India made it mandatory for companies to have their cough syrups tested before export in June. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian pharmaceutical firm used toxic industrial-grade ingredient in syrup: Sources

In a captivating display of India's soft power, a Bollywood-themed musical program has taken Uzbekistan by storm, gaining immense popularity and showcasing the deep admiration for Hindi films in the Central Asian nation. The hit television show, Bollywood Battle, aired on the local channel Sevimli TV, features competitors reenacting iconic scenes from famous Bollywood songs, receiving accolades for their performances.

The final episode of Bollywood Battle welcomed distinguished guests, Indian ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat and his wife, Ruchi Narain. The Indian ambassador Prabhat commended the show, stating that it has "created a little piece of India" and contributed to a heightened understanding of culture between the two nations. Emphasising the strong friendship between India and Uzbekistan, he expressed that "Uzbekistan loves India, and India loves Uzbekistan."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uzbekistan-voters-approve-reforms-letting-prez-rule-till-2040-587850">Uzbekistan voters approve reforms letting prez rule till 2040</a>

The final episode of the show paid tribute to legends of the silver screen, including Vyjayanthi Mala, Raj Kumar, and Rajendra Kumar, who enacted a song from the classic 1964 film, Sangam. This nostalgic gesture resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting their enduring fondness for Bollywood films, spanning back to the era of Soviet Uzbekistan.

During the Soviet era, the annual Tashkent International Film Festival of Asia, Africa, and Latin America regularly featured Bollywood stars such as Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan. The joint production efforts between India and Uzbekistan filmmakers, including films like Alibaba aur 40 Chor&nbsp;and Sohni Mahiwal,&nbsp;further solidified the cultural exchange. These movies, co-directed by Umesh Mehra and the late Latif Faizyullaev, were shot in Uzbekistan, leaving an indelible mark on both nations' cinematic history.

WATCH |&nbsp;Uzbekistan to hold referendum to reform the Constitution, Uzbek envoy explains its significance

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In 2021, the Tashkent International Film Festival was revived, welcoming Indian delegations with notable stars like Randhir Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty. The resurgence of Indian movies being shot in Uzbekistan has reignited the longstanding bond between the two countries. However, the demand for Indian movies and soap operas in Uzbekistan far exceeds the current supply, creating an opportunity for enhanced commercial appeal.

The thriving popularity of. and the revival of the Tashkent International Film Festival underscore the strong cultural ties between India and Uzbekistan. The allure of Hindi cinema continues to captivate Uzbek audiences, fostering a mutual appreciation of art and entertainment. The success of Bollywood Battle in Uzbekistan also serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Bollywood and India's soft power on the global stage.

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In a captivating display of India's soft power, a Bollywood-themed musical program has taken Uzbekistan by storm, gaining immense popularity and showcasing the deep admiration for Hindi films in the Central Asian nation.

In a captivating display of India's soft power, a Bollywood-themed musical program has taken Uzbekistan by storm, gaining immense popularity and showcasing the deep admiration for Hindi films in the Central Asian nation. The hit television show, Bollywood Battle, aired on the local channel Sevimli TV, features competitors reenacting iconic scenes from famous Bollywood songs, receiving accolades for their performances. The final episode of Bollywood Battle welcomed distinguished guests, Indian ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat and his wife, Ruchi Narain. The Indian ambassador Prabhat commended the show, stating that it has "created a little piece of India" and contributed to a heightened understanding of culture between the two nations. Emphasising the strong friendship between India and Uzbekistan, he expressed that "Uzbekistan loves India, and India loves Uzbekistan." ALSO READ | Uzbekistan voters approve reforms letting prez rule till 2040 The final episode of the show paid tribute to legends of the silver screen, including Vyjayanthi Mala, Raj Kumar, and Rajendra Kumar, who enacted a song from the classic 1964 film, Sangam. This nostalgic gesture resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting their enduring fondness for Bollywood films, spanning back to the era of Soviet Uzbekistan. During the Soviet era, the annual Tashkent International Film Festival of Asia, Africa, and Latin America regularly featured Bollywood stars such as Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan. The joint production efforts between India and Uzbekistan filmmakers, including films like Alibaba aur 40 Chor and Sohni Mahiwal, further solidified the cultural exchange. These movies, co-directed by Umesh Mehra and the late Latif Faizyullaev, were shot in Uzbekistan, leaving an indelible mark on both nations' cinematic history. WATCH | Uzbekistan to hold referendum to reform the Constitution, Uzbek envoy explains its significance In 2021, the Tashkent International Film Festival was revived, welcoming Indian delegations with notable stars like Randhir Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty. The resurgence of Indian movies being shot in Uzbekistan has reignited the longstanding bond between the two countries. However, the demand for Indian movies and soap operas in Uzbekistan far exceeds the current supply, creating an opportunity for enhanced commercial appeal. The thriving popularity of. and the revival of the Tashkent International Film Festival underscore the strong cultural ties between India and Uzbekistan. The allure of Hindi cinema continues to captivate Uzbek audiences, fostering a mutual appreciation of art and entertainment. The success of Bollywood Battle in Uzbekistan also serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Bollywood and India's soft power on the global stage. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Bollywood musical programme captivates Uzbekistan, strengthening cultural bonds

Indian authorities will ensure cough syrups are tested and approved by government-authorised laboratories before they are exported, Reuters reported Tuesday. This comes after some Indian drug companies were linked to the deaths of dozens of children in Gambia and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

According to a notice dated May 22 and issued by the Indian Ministry of Health on Tuesday, any cough syrup must have a certificate of analysis issued by a government laboratory before it is exported, effective June 1. "Cough syrup shall be permitted to be exported subject to the export sample being tested and production of a certificate of analysis," the notice read.

<h2>Are tests mandatory only for syrups meant for export?</h2>

Interestingly, the notification issued by the government of India mandates the test for cough syrups only meant for export. According to Reuters, it fails to clarify whether testing is mandatory for cough syrups meant for the domestic market.

The government has identified seven such federal government laboratories where samples could be sent for testing. Along with them, drug manufacturers can also send their samples to state laboratories certified by a national accreditation body.

<h2>Are Indian syrups causing deaths abroad?</h2>

The World Health Organization (WHO) first advised the regulators in October 2022 against the usage of cough syrups made by India-based company Maiden Pharmaceuticals and linked its products to the death&nbsp;of at least 70 children in the country. This prompted the Indian authorities to launch an investigation into the allegations, but it later found out that the said company was "complying with specifications." An Indian official even said that the WHO was "presumptuous" in blaming the syrups.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gambia cough syrup deaths: After WHO's alert, Indian govt's crackdown on Maiden Pharma

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Later, Gambia’s own Medicines Control Agency, a national regulatory body, clarified that a link between the deaths of children and the Indian syrups was not confirmed. "We haven't concluded yet it is the medicine that caused it. A good number of kids died without taking any medication," a representative of the Medicines Control Agency was quoted as saying in media reports.

<h2>Toxins detected in syrups used in Uzbekistan</h2>

The debate around the usage of “substandard” Indian cough syrups heated up again when 19 children in Uzbekistan died last year after consuming products manufactured by India-based Marion Biotech. The Uzbek authorities later confirmed that contaminants were detected in many drugs manufactured by the company.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-held-in-biggest-drug-bust-in-india-crystal-meth-worth-145-bn-seized-592189">Also Read |&nbsp;In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held</a>

“Laboratory analysis of samples of both products - Ambronol syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup by Marion Biotech - undertaken by national quality control laboratories of the Uzbekistan Ministry of Health found both products contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and or ethylene glycol as contaminants,” the WHO said in January this year.

<h2>Crackdown on pharma companies in India</h2>

The Indian government in March undertook a major crackdown that targeted pharma companies for manufacturing spurious medicines. A total of 76 companies were raided by India’s Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) across 20 states, which resulted in the cancellation of licenses of 18 pharma companies.

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Indian authorities will ensure cough syrups are tested and approved by government-authorised laboratories before they are exported, Reuters reported Tuesday. This comes after some Indian drug companies were linked to the deaths of dozens of children in Gambia and Uzbekistan.

Indian authorities will ensure cough syrups are tested and approved by government-authorised laboratories before they are exported, Reuters reported Tuesday. This comes after some Indian drug companies were linked to the deaths of dozens of children in Gambia and Uzbekistan. According to a notice dated May 22 and issued by the Indian Ministry of Health on Tuesday, any cough syrup must have a certificate of analysis issued by a government laboratory before it is exported, effective June 1. "Cough syrup shall be permitted to be exported subject to the export sample being tested and production of a certificate of analysis," the notice read. Are tests mandatory only for syrups meant for export? Interestingly, the notification issued by the government of India mandates the test for cough syrups only meant for export. According to Reuters, it fails to clarify whether testing is mandatory for cough syrups meant for the domestic market. The government has identified seven such federal government laboratories where samples could be sent for testing. Along with them, drug manufacturers can also send their samples to state laboratories certified by a national accreditation body. Are Indian syrups causing deaths abroad? The World Health Organization (WHO) first advised the regulators in October 2022 against the usage of cough syrups made by India-based company Maiden Pharmaceuticals and linked its products to the death of at least 70 children in the country. This prompted the Indian authorities to launch an investigation into the allegations, but it later found out that the said company was "complying with specifications." An Indian official even said that the WHO was "presumptuous" in blaming the syrups. Watch: Gambia cough syrup deaths: After WHO's alert, Indian govt's crackdown on Maiden Pharma × Later, Gambia’s own Medicines Control Agency, a national regulatory body, clarified that a link between the deaths of children and the Indian syrups was not confirmed. "We haven't concluded yet it is the medicine that caused it. A good number of kids died without taking any medication," a representative of the Medicines Control Agency was quoted as saying in media reports. Toxins detected in syrups used in Uzbekistan The debate around the usage of “substandard” Indian cough syrups heated up again when 19 children in Uzbekistan died last year after consuming products manufactured by India-based Marion Biotech. The Uzbek authorities later confirmed that contaminants were detected in many drugs manufactured by the company. Also Read | In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held “Laboratory analysis of samples of both products - Ambronol syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup by Marion Biotech - undertaken by national quality control laboratories of the Uzbekistan Ministry of Health found both products contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and or ethylene glycol as contaminants,” the WHO said in January this year. Crackdown on pharma companies in India The Indian government in March undertook a major crackdown that targeted pharma companies for manufacturing spurious medicines. A total of 76 companies were raided by India’s Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) across 20 states, which resulted in the cancellation of licenses of 18 pharma companies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India introduces mandatory quality checks for cough syrups meant for export

Voters in Uzbekistan overwhelmingly approved changes in constitution that will allow President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to stay in power til 2040. The tightly controlled election has been slammed by international observers as being flawed.

Preliminary results show on Monday that changes in constitution were approved by 90.21 per cent of voters. The voter turnout was 84.54 per cent.

However, election observers from Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) opined that the vote lacked participation from meaningful opposition and thus was not truly representative.

Mirziyoyev, 65, became president in 2016 after the death of dictator Islam Karimov.

His proposed reforms, when confirmed, could extend presidential terms from five to seven years, allowing Mirziyoyev to serve two more terms.

"Uzbekistan's constitutional referendum was technically well prepared and widely promoted as a move to enhance various rights and freedoms, but it took place in an environment that fell short of genuine political pluralism and competition," an OSCE statement said.

Critics of the government maintain that Uzbekistan remains authoritarian. Mirziyoyev claims that the overhaul will improve governance and quality of life of citizens.

But he is set to benefit from the changes the most.&nbsp;

Kazkhstan, a neighbouring country, was first to congratulate Mirziyoyev. Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that the results showed 'trust' and 'firm support from Uzbek nation.'

Mirziyoyev has presented himself as Karimov's modern successor. He had served 13 years as a loyal prime minister under Karimov's brutal rule.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Voters in Uzbekistan overwhelmingly approved changes in constitution that will allow President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to stay in power til 2040. The tightly controlled election has been slammed by international observers as being flawed.

Voters in Uzbekistan overwhelmingly approved changes in constitution that will allow President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to stay in power til 2040. The tightly controlled election has been slammed by international observers as being flawed. Preliminary results show on Monday that changes in constitution were approved by 90.21 per cent of voters. The voter turnout was 84.54 per cent. However, election observers from Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) opined that the vote lacked participation from meaningful opposition and thus was not truly representative. Mirziyoyev, 65, became president in 2016 after the death of dictator Islam Karimov. His proposed reforms, when confirmed, could extend presidential terms from five to seven years, allowing Mirziyoyev to serve two more terms. "Uzbekistan's constitutional referendum was technically well prepared and widely promoted as a move to enhance various rights and freedoms, but it took place in an environment that fell short of genuine political pluralism and competition," an OSCE statement said. Critics of the government maintain that Uzbekistan remains authoritarian. Mirziyoyev claims that the overhaul will improve governance and quality of life of citizens. But he is set to benefit from the changes the most. Kazkhstan, a neighbouring country, was first to congratulate Mirziyoyev. Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that the results showed 'trust' and 'firm support from Uzbek nation.' Mirziyoyev has presented himself as Karimov's modern successor. He had served 13 years as a loyal prime minister under Karimov's brutal rule. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Uzbekistan voters approve reforms letting prez rule till 2040

The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Delhi on Tuesday gave details of the referendum in Uzbekistan on April 30 to reform the Constitution, update basic laws in the country and explained their significance.

Uzbekistan to hold referendum to reform the Constitution, Uzbek envoy explains its significance

Uzbekistan's ambassador, Dilshod Akhatov has announced that his country will undertake a referendum on 30th April on the new constitution which will be "much more comprehensive, much more practical and human centric". To achieve this, the country's Constitutional Commission has studied over 400 international documents and the constitutions of more than 190 countries, including India. In a conversation with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Dilshod talked about India's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO Presidency and highlighted that the "Indian chairmanship is very, very intensive and active" and Uzbek delegations will be participating in upcoming SCO Defence and foreign minister meetings in India. The SCO Defence Ministers meet will take place in the last week of this month in Delhi and foreign ministers in the first of next month in Goa. Uzbekistan was the previous chair of the grouping and handed over the presidency to India last year

Uzbekistan wants to strengthen it's human rights legislation: Uzbekistan ambassador Dilshod Akhatov

Uzbekistan's ambassador, Dilshod Akhatov has announced that his country will undertake a referendum on 30th April on the new constitution which will be "much more comprehensive, much more practical and human centric". To achieve this, the country's Constitutional Commission has studied over 400 international documents and the constitutions of more than 190 countries, including India. In a conversation with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Dilshod talked about India's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO Presidency and highlighted that the "Indian chairmanship is very, very intensive and active" and Uzbek delegations will be participating in upcoming SCO Defence and foreign minister meetings in India. The SCO Defence Ministers meet will take place in the last week of this month in Delhi and foreign ministers in the first of next month in Goa. Uzbekistan was the previous chair of the grouping and handed over the presidency to India last year.

India's SCO chairmanship INTENSIVE and ACTIVE, says Uzbek Ambassador Dilshod Akhatov

Uzbekistan has approved a new constitution&nbsp;for which the country is scheduled to hold a&nbsp;referendum on April 30. Preparations are underway for the countrywide referendum to approve the constitution which has provisions that declare Uzbekistan a&nbsp;"sovereign, democratic, legal, and social state".

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, the Uzbek ambassador to India, Dilshod Akhatov reflected on the important tenets of the updated constitution. He said that&nbsp;"the constitution provides that the state will assume a number of new obligations to reduce poverty, provide employment and protect against unemployment. In general, the norms containing the social obligations of the state are tripled."

The constitution also enshrines new rules from personal rights to expanding the powers of parliament.

Speaking about the preparation for the referendum and important aspects of the updated constitution, Ambassador Akhatov said that the country&nbsp;has been going through a historical stage of its development in recent years.

"The concept of 'New Uzbekistan'&nbsp;has been formed in the international community. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his opinion on the need to reform the constitution in November 2021 in his inaugural speech, specifying that such a proposal comes from the people of the country. This process takes into account proposals, international standards and advanced foreign experience. During the public discussions of the draft constitutional law, more than 222,000 proposals were received. More than 400 international documents, constitutions of about 190 countries have been carefully analysed," the ambassador said.

<h2>Uzbekistan constitutional referendum: What all has been updated in Uzbek constitution?</h2>

Akhatov said that the&nbsp;number of articles in the constitution have been increased from the current 128 to 155, and norms from 275 to 434.

"That is, 65 per cent of the text of the Basic Law is updated based on the proposals of our people. In particular, the provisions on human rights and freedoms have increased three and a half times. As a solid legal basis and a reliable guarantee of the long-term development of our country and the future prosperous life of our people, it is indicated that Uzbekistan is a “sovereign, democratic, legal and social state”, and that these principles cannot be changed,&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

"In general, the norms containing the social obligations of the state are tripled. This indicates that Uzbekistan is becoming a social state," Akhatov added.&nbsp;

<h2>Uzbekistan constitutional referendum: Personal freedoms 'inviolable'</h2>

Akhatov said that the new constitution strengthens guarantees of personal rights and freedoms of a person in accordance with the most advanced international standards.

"In particular, a person cannot be detained for more than 48 hours without a court order, and if the lawfulness and justification of the detention is not proven in court, the person is subject to immediate release (the Habeas Corpus Institute), and during detention, his rights must be explained in understandable language, and grounds for detention (Miranda Rules). In addition, the right of the accused and the defendant not to testify against himself, in other words, “the right to remain silent”, is fixed. These provisions guarantee the inviolability of personal freedom and the prevention of unlawful detention of people," he said.

<h2>Uzbekistan constitutional referendum: Roadmap for Central Asian country to be a 'free market economy'</h2>

Akhatov said that the updated constitution creates a solid foundation for the "formation of a truly free market economy by strengthening the guarantees of entrepreneurial activity, developing market relations, creating conditions for fair competition, ensuring a favorable investment and business climate, establishing a system of fair taxation, and limiting monopoly activities".

<h2>Uzbekistan constitutional referendum: On freedom of speech and media rights</h2>

Akhatov said that the updated&nbsp;constitution guarantees the freedom of the media, their right to seek, receive, use and disseminate information. "Obstructing or interfering with the activities of the media and journalists will be subject to liability, which will increase freedom of speech and information," he said.

"For the first time, the constitution includes a separate chapter on civil society institutions and guarantees for their activities, which will serve as a solid basis for strengthening the atmosphere of openness, transparency and legality in society, dialogue between the state and society, and establishing strong public control," he added.

<h2>Uzbekistan constitutional referendum:&nbsp;On expanding the powers of parliament and judiciary</h2>

Akhatov said that the updated constitution is aimed at creating a strong parliament, a compact and responsible government, as well as an independent and fair judiciary to build a state that serves the people. "The powers of the Legislative (lower) chamber and the Senate (upper chamber) are significantly expanded, duplication in the work of the two chambers is eliminated, and their area of responsibility is clearly defined," he said.

"In particular, the absolute powers of the Legislative Chamber are increased from the current 5 to 12, and the Senate - from 14 to 18. Such powers as consideration and approval of the candidacy of the Prime Minister, control over the execution of the state budget and consideration of the report of the Accounts Chamber have been transferred to the Legislative Chamber. The procedure for appointing the Prime Minister to the post is approved after the President submits his candidacy to the Legislative Chamber and is approved by the people's deputies. At the same time, the number of members in the upper house will be reduced from the current 100 to 65, while maintaining equal representation of the regions through the election of 4 senators from each region and reducing the number of senators appointed by the President from 16 to 9," he added.

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Uzbekistan has approved a new constitution for which the country is scheduled to hold a referendum on April 30. Preparations are underway for the countrywide referendum to approve the constitution which has provisions that declare Uzbekistan a "sovereign, democratic, legal, and social state".

Uzbekistan has approved a new constitution for which the country is scheduled to hold a referendum on April 30. Preparations are underway for the countrywide referendum to approve the constitution which has provisions that declare Uzbekistan a "sovereign, democratic, legal, and social state". Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, the Uzbek ambassador to India, Dilshod Akhatov reflected on the important tenets of the updated constitution. He said that "the constitution provides that the state will assume a number of new obligations to reduce poverty, provide employment and protect against unemployment. In general, the norms containing the social obligations of the state are tripled." The constitution also enshrines new rules from personal rights to expanding the powers of parliament. Speaking about the preparation for the referendum and important aspects of the updated constitution, Ambassador Akhatov said that the country has been going through a historical stage of its development in recent years. "The concept of 'New Uzbekistan' has been formed in the international community. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his opinion on the need to reform the constitution in November 2021 in his inaugural speech, specifying that such a proposal comes from the people of the country. This process takes into account proposals, international standards and advanced foreign experience. During the public discussions of the draft constitutional law, more than 222,000 proposals were received. More than 400 international documents, constitutions of about 190 countries have been carefully analysed," the ambassador said. Uzbekistan constitutional referendum: What all has been updated in Uzbek constitution? Akhatov said that the number of articles in the constitution have been increased from the current 128 to 155, and norms from 275 to 434. "That is, 65 per cent of the text of the Basic Law is updated based on the proposals of our people. In particular, the provisions on human rights and freedoms have increased three and a half times. As a solid legal basis and a reliable guarantee of the long-term development of our country and the future prosperous life of our people, it is indicated that Uzbekistan is a “sovereign, democratic, legal and social state”, and that these principles cannot be changed, he said. "In general, the norms containing the social obligations of the state are tripled. This indicates that Uzbekistan is becoming a social state," Akhatov added. Uzbekistan constitutional referendum: Personal freedoms 'inviolable' Akhatov said that the new constitution strengthens guarantees of personal rights and freedoms of a person in accordance with the most advanced international standards. "In particular, a person cannot be detained for more than 48 hours without a court order, and if the lawfulness and justification of the detention is not proven in court, the person is subject to immediate release (the Habeas Corpus Institute), and during detention, his rights must be explained in understandable language, and grounds for detention (Miranda Rules). In addition, the right of the accused and the defendant not to testify against himself, in other words, “the right to remain silent”, is fixed. These provisions guarantee the inviolability of personal freedom and the prevention of unlawful detention of people," he said. Uzbekistan constitutional referendum: Roadmap for Central Asian country to be a 'free market economy' Akhatov said that the updated constitution creates a solid foundation for the "formation of a truly free market economy by strengthening the guarantees of entrepreneurial activity, developing market relations, creating conditions for fair competition, ensuring a favorable investment and business climate, establishing a system of fair taxation, and limiting monopoly activities". Uzbekistan constitutional referendum: On freedom of speech and media rights Akhatov said that the updated constitution guarantees the freedom of the media, their right to seek, receive, use and disseminate information. "Obstructing or interfering with the activities of the media and journalists will be subject to liability, which will increase freedom of speech and information," he said. "For the first time, the constitution includes a separate chapter on civil society institutions and guarantees for their activities, which will serve as a solid basis for strengthening the atmosphere of openness, transparency and legality in society, dialogue between the state and society, and establishing strong public control," he added. Uzbekistan constitutional referendum: On expanding the powers of parliament and judiciary Akhatov said that the updated constitution is aimed at creating a strong parliament, a compact and responsible government, as well as an independent and fair judiciary to build a state that serves the people. "The powers of the Legislative (lower) chamber and the Senate (upper chamber) are significantly expanded, duplication in the work of the two chambers is eliminated, and their area of responsibility is clearly defined," he said. "In particular, the absolute powers of the Legislative Chamber are increased from the current 5 to 12, and the Senate - from 14 to 18. Such powers as consideration and approval of the candidacy of the Prime Minister, control over the execution of the state budget and consideration of the report of the Accounts Chamber have been transferred to the Legislative Chamber. The procedure for appointing the Prime Minister to the post is approved after the President submits his candidacy to the Legislative Chamber and is approved by the people's deputies. At the same time, the number of members in the upper house will be reduced from the current 100 to 65, while maintaining equal representation of the regions through the election of 4 senators from each region and reducing the number of senators appointed by the President from 16 to 9," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New constitution will make Uzbekistan a ‘social state’, says Ambassador Dilshod Akhatov

The manufacturing licence of Noida-based Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd was cancelled by the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the aftermath of the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, last year. Reports alleged that they died after consuming cough syrup manufactured by the firm.&nbsp;

A senior state health official said on Wednesday, "Marion Biotech Company's licence has been cancelled by the State License Authority." The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and the State health regulator decided to cancel the licence unanimously.&nbsp;

The government official said that the firm's licence was under suspension since January after which a "detailed inquiry was initiated". The official added that the firm can no longer "manufacture the syrup".

The official noted that the Noida Police arrested three employees of Marion Biotech from its Noida office on March 3. A lookout notice was issued for two of its directors after an FIR was lodged against all of them.&nbsp;

The FIR had come after an initial probe found that samples of Marion Biotech were "adulterated" and "not of standard quality."&nbsp;

Last year, Uzbekistan's health ministry earlier claimed in a statement that the children died after consuming cough syrup Doc-1 Max, manufactured by Marion Biotech—an Indian drugmaker. Concerns were raised when Uzbek's health ministry said that the syrup contained a toxic substance known as ethylene glycol.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) in January had also issued a 'medical product alert' regarding products identified in Uzbekistan and reported to it on December 22, 2022.&nbsp;

"The two products are Ambronol syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup. The stated manufacturer of both products is MARION BIOTECH PVT LTD, (Uttar Pradesh, India). To date, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products," the WHO had stated then.&nbsp;

"Laboratory analysis of samples of both products, undertaken by national quality control laboratories of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan found both products contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol as contaminants," it had noted.&nbsp;

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The manufacturing licence of Noida-based Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd was cancelled by the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the aftermath of the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, last year.

The manufacturing licence of Noida-based Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd was cancelled by the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the aftermath of the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, last year. Reports alleged that they died after consuming cough syrup manufactured by the firm. A senior state health official said on Wednesday, "Marion Biotech Company's licence has been cancelled by the State License Authority." The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and the State health regulator decided to cancel the licence unanimously. The government official said that the firm's licence was under suspension since January after which a "detailed inquiry was initiated". The official added that the firm can no longer "manufacture the syrup". The official noted that the Noida Police arrested three employees of Marion Biotech from its Noida office on March 3. A lookout notice was issued for two of its directors after an FIR was lodged against all of them. The FIR had come after an initial probe found that samples of Marion Biotech were "adulterated" and "not of standard quality." Last year, Uzbekistan's health ministry earlier claimed in a statement that the children died after consuming cough syrup Doc-1 Max, manufactured by Marion Biotech—an Indian drugmaker. Concerns were raised when Uzbek's health ministry said that the syrup contained a toxic substance known as ethylene glycol. The World Health Organization (WHO) in January had also issued a 'medical product alert' regarding products identified in Uzbekistan and reported to it on December 22, 2022. "The two products are Ambronol syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup. The stated manufacturer of both products is MARION BIOTECH PVT LTD, (Uttar Pradesh, India). To date, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products," the WHO had stated then. "Laboratory analysis of samples of both products, undertaken by national quality control laboratories of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan found both products contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol as contaminants," it had noted. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Marion Biotech's manufacturing licence cancelled over kids' deaths in Uzbekistan

Popular Uzbek singer Kaniza, who is best&nbsp;known for her songs "Hali-Hali" and&nbsp;"Kuyov Jo'ralar", cannot perform on stage for the next few weeks. Authoritarian Uzbekistan has temporarily barred the popular singer from performing in front of an audience. The reason for the ban is her two viral videos, in which she is seen&nbsp;singing in high-heeled boots, nude leggings and an oversized shirt.

"The singer Kaniza has recently published videos on social media in which she behaves obscenely, contradicting behavioural ethics, promoting immoral ideas and offending viewers," said Uzbekconzert, the government institution responsible for giving licenses to artists in the country, on Monday.

Artists in the Central Asian Republic of Uzbekistan can only work and perform in the country if they have a licence from the government.

Kaniza's agent recently spoke to AFP and shared that the singer "simply sang two songs at a restaurant opening".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cardi-b-says-court-ordered-community-service-changed-her-perspective-on-life-566439">Cardi B says court-ordered community service changed her perspective on life</a>

According to the culture ministry,&nbsp;her suspension is a "one-month warning so she has time to reflect and draw the right conclusions".&nbsp;

"If in one month she says she has understood and promises not to post such videos again, then her (licence) application will be considered," the ministry&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in Uzbekistan in 2016. He has promoted reforms unthinkable under his predecessor, an infamous rights abuser in the ex-Soviet region. His government however largely remains authoritarian and restricts freedom of expression.

(With inputs from agencies)<o:p></o:p>

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Popular Uzbek singer Kaniza, who is best known for her songs "Hali-Hali" and "Kuyov Jo'ralar", cannot perform on stage for the next few weeks. Authoritarian Uzbekistan has temporarily barred the popular singer from performing in front of an audience.

Popular Uzbek singer Kaniza, who is best known for her songs "Hali-Hali" and "Kuyov Jo'ralar", cannot perform on stage for the next few weeks. Authoritarian Uzbekistan has temporarily barred the popular singer from performing in front of an audience. The reason for the ban is her two viral videos, in which she is seen singing in high-heeled boots, nude leggings and an oversized shirt. "The singer Kaniza has recently published videos on social media in which she behaves obscenely, contradicting behavioural ethics, promoting immoral ideas and offending viewers," said Uzbekconzert, the government institution responsible for giving licenses to artists in the country, on Monday. Artists in the Central Asian Republic of Uzbekistan can only work and perform in the country if they have a licence from the government. Kaniza's agent recently spoke to AFP and shared that the singer "simply sang two songs at a restaurant opening". Also read: Cardi B says court-ordered community service changed her perspective on life According to the culture ministry, her suspension is a "one-month warning so she has time to reflect and draw the right conclusions". "If in one month she says she has understood and promises not to post such videos again, then her (licence) application will be considered," the ministry added. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in Uzbekistan in 2016. He has promoted reforms unthinkable under his predecessor, an infamous rights abuser in the ex-Soviet region. His government however largely remains authoritarian and restricts freedom of expression. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Uzbek singer Kaniza handed month-long stage ban after 'immoral and obscene' video

A Moscow to Goa chartered flight was reportedly diverted to Uzbekistan on an early warning following a bomb threat that was sent via an e-mail. The flight, AZV 2463 was carrying a total of 238 passengers including two infants and seven crew members. Watch the video to know more.

BREAKING: Bomb scare on Moscow-Goa chartered flight; diverted to Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan authorities on Friday (January 6) arrested four people in connection with the ongoing investigation of an Indian-made cough syrup blamed for the deaths of 19 children.

Uzbekistan authorities on Friday (January 6) arrested four people in connection with the ongoing investigation of an Indian-made cough syrup blamed for the deaths of 19 children. The cough syrup- Doc-1 Max was manufactured by Indian-based pharmaceutical Marion Biotech. The company has suspended production of all medicines (including Doc-1 Max) at its unit in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Of these deaths in Uzbekistan, 18 children were from the southeastern city of Samarkand and the 19th victim, a one-year-old child, was from the Qashqadaryo region. ALSO READ | India-made cough syrup blamed for kids' deaths in Uzbekistan, production halted at unit Speaking to the news agency Reuters, the Uzbek state security service said on Friday that among the four arrested- two were senior employees of the Scientific Center for Standardization of Medicines, who circumvented the proper testing procedures for Doc-1 Max. The other two arrested were executives of Quramax Medikal- a company that imported Marion Biotech's medicines. In December last year, Uzbekistan's health ministry said the cough syrup contained ethylene glycol, a toxic substance, adding it was administered in doses higher than the standard dose for children. The 19 children died due to acute renal failure. Earlier, the government had temporarily suspended sales of all Marion Biotech medicines across Uzbekistan. On December 30, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that it was in touch with Uzbekistan's authorities and was in the process of gathering information and validating reports regarding the cough syrup deaths. ALSO READ | India's Maiden Pharmaceuticals culpable for cough syrup deaths: Gambia panel India's health minister Mansukh Mandaviya, meanwhile, said on December 29, 2022, that Indian investigators spoke to their Uzbek counterparts and Marion Biotech's facility was being inspected. Taking to Twitter, Mandaviya said that samples of the cough syrup were taken from the manufacturing premises and sent to the Regional Drugs Testing Laboratory in Chandigarh for testing. This is the second instance where an Indian pharmaceutical has come under the scanner for children dying after consuming cough syrups. Last year, Maiden Pharmaceuticals was held responsible for the deaths of at least 70 children in Gambia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Uzbekistan: Four arrested over Indian-made cough syrup deaths

The Taliban energy and water minister Abdul Latif Mansur, who was among the 13 Taliban officials slapped with a travel ban, has however traveled to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Is the world turning a blind eye to the Taliban? Priyanka Sharma tells you.

WION Fineprint | Taliban: Government or Criminal Syndicate?

India suspended production at a pharmaceutical company after its cough syrup was linked to the death of 19 children in Uzbekistan. The cough syrup was manufactured by the Indian drug-maker Marion Biotech and has killed at least 19 children in Uzbekistan's Samarkand.

Uzbekistan: Cough syrup kills 19 children, country blames India-made syrups for deaths

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