TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – As part of their ongoing efforts to deepen international cooperation, India and Uzbekistan have elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing expanded collaboration in vital economic and security fields. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced this development following discussions at the Kuksaroy Residence in Tashkent. The leaders examined trade, investment, transport, digital technology, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education sectors. Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan took place from August 29 to 30, upon Mirziyoyev’s invitation.
Economic collaboration was a key focus during the talks. According to the Uzbek government, bilateral trade hit $1.3 billion in 2025, marking a 33% increase. Both nations have set a target to boost annual trade to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has grown sevenfold in recent years. Currently, India and Uzbekistan operate 14 direct flights each week, and four Indian universities are active in Uzbekistan. The leaders also emphasized the importance of expanding industrial and commercial linkages.
An agreement was reached between the two governments to create a mechanism at the foreign ministers’ level to oversee the implementation of bilateral agreements. Plans are underway for a joint working group to address non-tariff barriers and investment challenges. Officials are set to explore further steps after completing a feasibility study for an India-Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement. The leaders identified sectors such as energy, electrical engineering, metallurgy, critical minerals, and agriculture as priorities. They also discussed healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry within the economic framework.
Cooperation across vital sectors is reinforced through new agreements
During the state visit, India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements, addressing areas including culture, higher education, scientific research, environmental conservation, traditional medicine, tourism, geology, and mineral resources. The agreement package also covers archival collaboration and an economic and financial dialogue. Additionally, an agreement was made to connect Gujarat state with Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region. Both sides approved initiatives for diplomatic training and measures concerning archaeological research and preservation at the Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
Several new initiatives were announced covering payments, educational programs, and environmental projects. India pledged a $1 million grant to support afforestation efforts in the Aral Sea region. It also revealed 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Hindi language studies and the establishment of a Sanskrit academic chair in Tashkent. Furthermore, NPCI International Payments and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre finalized a commercial deal involving UPI, enabling Indian UPI applications to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR system for merchant transactions.
Security cooperation and multilateral engagement remain priorities
Discussions between Modi and Mirziyoyev also covered defense, counterterrorism, and regional security efforts. Both leaders condemned terrorism, including cross-border threats, and called for measures against financing networks, safe havens, and supporting infrastructure. They advocated for enhanced cooperation in law enforcement, intelligence sharing, combating cyber threats, and organized crime. The ongoing military partnership was also acknowledged; their latest joint Dustlik military exercise occurred in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026. Both nations committed to maintaining engagement through regional and international organizations.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its backing for India’s bid for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council. The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral bodies. During the visit, Mirziyoyev awarded Modi the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, Uzbekistan’s highest state honor for foreign leaders. Modi extended an invitation for Mirziyoyev to visit India, with specific dates to be arranged through diplomatic channels.