TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – India and Uzbekistan have elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a significant expansion in cooperation across key economic and security sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced this upgrade following discussions at the Kuksaroy Residence in Tashkent. The leaders evaluated progress in trade, investment, transport, digital innovation, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education. Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30 was extended at Mirziyoyev’s invitation.
Economic collaboration was a central focus of the talks. According to the Uzbek government, bilateral trade hit $1.3 billion in 2025, representing a 33% increase. Both nations aim to boost annual trade to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has risen sevenfold in recent years. Additionally, India and Uzbekistan maintain 14 direct flights each week, and four Indian universities currently operate within Uzbekistan. The leaders emphasized the importance of expanding industrial and commercial links.
The two governments agreed to create a mechanism involving foreign ministers to oversee the implementation of bilateral agreements. They also plan to establish a joint working group to address non-tariff barriers and investment challenges. Following a feasibility study for an India-Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement, officials will explore further steps. Priority sectors identified include energy, electrical engineering, metallurgy, critical minerals, and agriculture, with healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry also discussed in economic terms.
Enhancing cooperation across vital sectors through new agreements
During the state visit, India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements covering areas such as culture, higher education, scientific research, environmental conservation, traditional medicine, tourism, geology, and mineral resources. The package also includes collaboration on archival work and ongoing economic and financial dialogue. An agreement was also signed connecting Gujarat state with Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region. Both sides approved initiatives for diplomatic training, as well as measures for archaeological research and preservation at the Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
Additional announcements from the visit included commitments related to payments, education, and environmental projects. India pledged a $1 million grant for forestation efforts in the Aral Sea area. It also revealed plans for 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Hindi language studies and the creation of a Sanskrit academic chair in Tashkent. NPCI International Payments and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre signed a commercial deal involving UPI, which will enable Indian UPI applications to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR system for merchant payments.
Focus on security and multilateral engagement remains prominent
Modi and Mirziyoyev also discussed topics such as defense, counterterrorism, and regional security cooperation. Both leaders condemned terrorism, including cross-border threats, and called for concerted action against financing networks, safe havens, and supporting infrastructure. They emphasized stronger collaboration in law enforcement, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and organized crime suppression. Their military cooperation continues, with the latest joint Dustlik exercise taking place in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026. Both countries also support ongoing engagement through regional and international organizations.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for India’s bid for permanent membership on a reformed United Nations Security Council. The two nations agreed to bolster coordination within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral platforms. During his visit, Mirziyoyev awarded Modi the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, Uzbekistan’s highest honor for foreign leaders. Modi extended an invitation for Mirziyoyev to visit India, with specific dates to be finalized via diplomatic channels.