TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Following high-level discussions in Tashkent, India and Uzbekistan elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made the announcement during Modi’s state visit from August 29 to 30. Their dialogue encompassed cooperation across trade, investment, transport, digital technology, energy, and critical minerals, along with healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, security, and regional issues.
Trade relations took center stage in the discussions, with Uzbekistan reporting bilateral trade reaching $1.3 billion in 2025, representing a 33% year-over-year growth. Both nations aim to increase this figure to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold in recent years. Currently, there are 14 direct flights weekly between the countries, and four Indian universities operate in Uzbekistan.
A consensus was also reached to establish a foreign ministers-level mechanism for overseeing bilateral commitments. A dedicated joint working group will examine non-tariff measures and investment obstacles. Both nations will evaluate further steps after completing a feasibility study for a Preferential Trade Agreement. Priority sectors include energy, metallurgy, electrical engineering, critical minerals, and agriculture, with healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry also part of the economic agenda.
Multiple sectors to see expanded cooperation through agreements
During Modi’s visit, India and Uzbekistan formalized their partnership through the signing of 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements. These agreements span cultural exchanges, higher education, scientific research, environmental protection, and traditional medicine. Additional collaborations focus on tourism, geology, mineral resources, archival cooperation, and economic dialogue. The Gujarat state and Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region committed to strengthening regional ties, while another agreement addressed diplomatic training, and measures were taken to support archaeological preservation at the Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
The diplomatic visit also led to announcements concerning payments, education, and environmental initiatives. India pledged $1 million for afforestation and ecological projects in the Aral Sea region. It also introduced 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Hindi language studies and established a Sanskrit academic chair in Tashkent. In addition, 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 addressed defense, counterterrorism, and regional stability. The leaders condemned terrorism, including cross-border activities, and endorsed stronger measures against financing networks and safe havens. They supported enhanced cooperation in intelligence sharing, law enforcement, cyber security, and tackling organized crime. The two nations highlighted ongoing military cooperation, including the Dustlik exercise held in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026. Both governments expressed their support for broader coordination through regional and international organizations.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its backing for India’s bid to secure permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council. They also agreed to boost coordination via 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 dignitaries. Modi extended an invitation for Mirziyoyev to visit India, with the timing to be finalized through diplomatic channels.