TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – On Sunday, India and Uzbekistan upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This move broadens collaboration in key economic and security fields. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made the announcement following discussions at the Kuksaroy Residence in Tashkent. Their talks covered trade, investment, transport, digital tech, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education. Modi was in Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30, invited by Mirziyoyev.
Economic partnership was a major focus of the discussions. According to the Uzbek government, bilateral trade reached $1.3 billion in 2025, a 33% increase. Both nations aim to boost annual trade to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has grown sevenfold in recent years. Currently, India and Uzbekistan have 14 direct flights each week. Four Indian universities operate in Uzbekistan. Leaders stressed the need for expanded industrial and business cooperation.
The two governments agreed to establish a mechanism at the foreign ministers level to oversee the implementation of bilateral deals. They also plan to create a joint working group to address non-tariff barriers and investment issues. After a feasibility study on an India-Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement, officials will explore further steps. Priority sectors identified include energy, electrical engineering, metallurgy, critical minerals, and agriculture. Discussions also covered healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry.
Agreements extend cooperation into vital sectors
During the state visit, India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements. These cover culture, higher education, scientific research, environmental protection, traditional medicine, tourism, geology, and mineral resources. The package also includes collaboration on archival work and an economic and financial dialogue. One agreement links Gujarat state with Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region. They also approved cooperation on diplomatic training and archaeological conservation at Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
Additional announcements came during the visit, focusing on payments, education, and environmental efforts. India pledged a $1 million grant for planting trees in the Aral Sea region. It also announced 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Hindi studies and a Sanskrit academic chair in Tashkent. NPCI International Payments and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre reached a commercial deal involving UPI. This will enable Indian UPI apps to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR system for merchant transactions.
Security and multilateral efforts remain central
Modi and Mirziyoyev addressed issues related to defense, counterterrorism, and regional security cooperation. They condemned terrorism, especially cross-border threats, and called for action against funding networks, safe havens, and supporting infrastructure. They supported stronger law enforcement, intelligence sharing, cyber threat responses, and tackling organized crime. Their military cooperation continues, with the latest joint Dustlik exercise held in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026. Both sides also support ongoing engagement through regional and international forums.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed backing for India’s bid for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council. Both countries agreed to enhance coordination through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral platforms. During the visit, Mirziyoyev awarded Modi the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, Uzbekistan’s highest honor for foreign leaders. Modi invited Mirziyoyev to visit India, with dates to be arranged through diplomatic channels.