TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Following high-level discussions in Tashkent, India and Uzbekistan elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announcing this enhancement during Modi’s state visit from August 29 to 30. During their talks, the leaders examined collaboration across sectors such as trade, investment, transport, digital technology, energy, and critical minerals, while also addressing healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, regional security, and broader regional issues.
Economic relations took center stage in the discussions, with Uzbekistan stating that bilateral trade reached $1.3 billion in 2025, reflecting a 33% year-on-year growth, and setting a target to increase trade to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold over recent years, and currently, both countries facilitate 14 direct flights each week; additionally, four Indian universities operate within Uzbekistan’s borders.
An agreement was also made to establish a mechanism at the foreign ministers level to oversee bilateral commitments, while a dedicated joint working group will be tasked with addressing non-tariff barriers and investment obstacles. Both nations agreed to review further steps after completing a feasibility study for a Preferential Trade Agreement, emphasizing industries such as energy, metallurgy, electrical engineering, critical minerals, and agriculture, with healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry included in their economic agenda.
Multiple sectors see expanded cooperation through new agreements
During the visit, India and Uzbekistan signed a total of 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements covering diverse areas including cultural exchange, higher education, scientific research, environmental conservation, and traditional medicine. The pact also encompasses tourism, geology, mineral resources, archival cooperation, and economic dialogue. Notably, Gujarat state and Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region committed to deepening regional ties, while an additional arrangement focuses on diplomatic training, and separate initiatives support archaeological preservation at the Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
The visit also saw announcements related to payments, education, and environmental initiatives, with India pledging $1 million toward afforestation and ecological efforts in the Aral Sea basin, alongside the launch of 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Hindi language studies and establishing a Sanskrit academic chair in Tashkent. Furthermore, NPCI International Payments and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre finalized a commercial deal involving UPI, which will enable Indian UPI applications to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR code for merchant transactions.
Defense, security, and multilateral cooperation remain priorities
Discussions between Modi and Mirziyoyev also covered topics related to defense, counterterrorism, and regional security, with both leaders condemning terrorism—including cross-border threats—and endorsing stronger measures against financing networks and safe havens. They supported enhanced cooperation in intelligence sharing, law enforcement, cyber security, and efforts against organized crime. Both nations acknowledged ongoing military collaborations, including the Dustlik exercise conducted in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026, and agreed on the importance of broader coordination through regional and international organizations.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its backing for India’s bid for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council, and both countries committed to increasing collaboration through platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral forums. During his visit, Mirziyoyev presented Modi with the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, Uzbekistan’s highest state honor for foreign dignitaries. Modi extended an invitation for Mirziyoyev to visit India, with the timing to be determined through diplomatic channels.