TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – In Tashkent, during high-level discussions on August 29 and 30, India and Uzbekistan elevated their diplomatic relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made the announcement of this upgraded partnership. Their conversations encompassed areas such as trade, investment, transport, digital technology, energy, and critical minerals. Additionally, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, security, and regional issues featured in their dialogue.
Economic cooperation played a significant role in the discussions. Uzbekistan reported that bilateral trade hit $1.3 billion in 2025, reflecting a 33% year-on-year growth. Both nations aim to increase trade to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has surged sevenfold recently. Currently, there are 14 direct flights per week between the two countries, and four Indian universities operate within Uzbekistan.
Furthermore, officials agreed to establish a mechanism at the foreign ministers level to oversee bilateral commitments. A dedicated joint working group will focus on non-tariff measures and investment obstacles. Both sides plan to review additional steps after completing a feasibility study for a Preferential Trade Agreement. Key sectors for cooperation include energy, metallurgy, electrical engineering, critical minerals, and agriculture. The economic agenda also covers healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewellery.
Multiple sectors see expanded cooperation through new agreements
During the visit, India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements. These cover cultural exchanges, higher education, scientific research, environmental protection, and traditional medicine. The accords also promote tourism, geology, mineral resources, archival cooperation, and economic dialogue. Additionally, Gujarat state and Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region committed to strengthening regional ties. Another agreement addresses diplomatic training, while separate initiatives support archaeological conservation at the Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
The visit led to announcements in areas like payments, education, and environmental efforts. India pledged $1 million toward afforestation and ecological projects in the Aral Sea region. It also revealed 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Hindi studies and the establishment of a Sanskrit academic chair in Tashkent. NPCI International Payments and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre finalized a commercial deal involving UPI, allowing Indian UPI applications to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR code for merchant transactions.
Security cooperation and multilateral engagement remain priorities
Discussions between Modi and Mirziyoyev also covered defense, counterterrorism, and regional security issues. The leaders condemned terrorism, including cross-border threats, and supported intensified efforts against financing networks and safe havens. They emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation in intelligence sharing, law enforcement, cyber security, and organized crime. Both nations highlighted ongoing military collaborations, such as the Dustlik exercise held in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026. They also endorsed broader coordination through regional and global organizations.
Uzbekistan reiterated its support for India’s bid for permanent membership on a reformed United Nations Security Council. Both countries agreed to strengthen their collaboration within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral platforms. During the visit, Mirziyoyev awarded Modi the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, Uzbekistan’s highest state honor for foreign leaders. Modi extended an invitation to Mirziyoyev for a visit to India, with the timing to be finalized via diplomatic channels.