Dushanbe, Oct. 21 -- Highlighting the ancient historical bonds and shared artistic legacy between India and Tajikistan, prominent Tajik cultural figures warmly welcomed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit to Dushanbe for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting and an Indian diaspora interaction.

Professor Habibullo Rajabov, a Tajik scholar who was honoured with India's prestigious Padma Shri award in 2018, praised India's democratic journey, cultural icons, and the growing popularity of the Hindi language among Tajiks.

"First of all, I would like to say that Tajikistan is a place closely connected to India," Professor Rajabov said, praising the Indian Defence Minister. "If a country doesn't hav...