TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – India and Uzbekistan formally elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on Sunday, broadening cooperation in key economic and security areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev declared the enhancement following discussions at the Kuksaroy Residence in Tashkent. The leaders reviewed trade, investment, transport, digital technologies, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education. Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan occurred from August 29 to 30 at Mirziyoyev’s invitation.
Economic collaboration was a central focus of the dialogue. According to the Uzbek government, bilateral trade amounted to $1.3 billion in 2025, reflecting a 33% increase. Both nations aim to boost annual trade to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has surged sevenfold recently. Currently, India and Uzbekistan operate 14 direct flights each week, and four Indian universities have campuses in Uzbekistan. The leaders emphasized the importance of expanding industrial and commercial ties further.
The two governments agreed to establish a mechanism at the foreign ministers level to oversee the implementation of bilateral agreements. Furthermore, they plan to form a joint working group to address non-tariff barriers and investment issues. Following the completion of a feasibility study for an India-Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement, officials will explore additional steps. Energy, electrical engineering, metallurgy, critical minerals, and agriculture were identified as priority sectors. Additionally, discussions covered healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry as vital components of economic cooperation.
Agreement signed to deepen sector-specific partnerships
During the state visit, India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements that span areas such as culture, higher education, scientific research, environmental protection, traditional medicine, tourism, geology, and mineral resources. The agreement package also includes cooperation on archival projects and an economic and financial dialogue. An additional arrangement connects Gujarat state with Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region. Both sides approved initiatives for diplomatic training and measures for archaeological research and conservation at the Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
The visit resulted in further announcements regarding payments, education, and environmental efforts. India pledged a $1 million grant toward afforestation in the Aral Sea region. It also unveiled 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Hindi language studies along with establishing a Sanskrit academic chair in Tashkent. NPCI International Payments and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre finalized a commercial agreement involving UPI, enabling Indian UPI apps to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR system for merchant transactions.
Focus on security and multilateral efforts remains a priority
Both Modi and Mirziyoyev addressed issues related to defense, counterterrorism, and regional security cooperation. They condemned terrorism, including cross-border activities, and called for measures against financing networks, safe havens, and supporting infrastructure. The leaders supported increased collaboration in law enforcement, intelligence sharing, tackling cyber threats, and organized crime. Continued military cooperation was also highlighted, with their latest joint Dustlik military exercise taking place in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing engagement through regional and international organizations.
Uzbekistan reiterated its backing for India’s bid to gain permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council. Furthermore, the two countries agreed to enhance coordination within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral platforms. During the visit, Mirziyoyev awarded Modi the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, which Uzbekistan describes as its highest state honour for foreign leaders. Modi extended an invitation to Mirziyoyev for a visit to India, with specific dates to be finalized through diplomatic channels.