TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – India and Uzbekistan formalized their relationship as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on Sunday, broadening collaboration in key economic and security domains. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev revealed this enhancement following discussions at the Kuksaroy Residence in Tashkent. The leaders reviewed various areas including trade, investment, transport, digital innovation, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education. Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan took place from August 29 to 30 at Mirziyoyev’s invitation.
Economic collaboration was a central focus of their discussions. According to the Uzbek government, bilateral trade hit $1.3 billion in 2025, marking a 33% increase. Both nations aim to boost annual trade to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has grown sevenfold in recent years. Currently, India and Uzbekistan operate 14 direct flights each week, and four Indian universities are active in Uzbekistan. The leaders emphasized the importance of expanding industrial and commercial links further.
Agreements were made to create a mechanism at the foreign ministers level for better coordination in implementing bilateral accords. Additionally, a joint working group focusing on non-tariff barriers and investment issues is planned. Officials will explore further steps after completing a feasibility study for an India-Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement. Priority sectors identified by the leaders include energy, electrical engineering, metallurgy, critical minerals, and agriculture. Discussions also covered healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry.
Expansion of cooperation across vital sectors confirmed
During the state visit, India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements spanning cultural exchange, higher education, scientific research, environmental issues, traditional medicine, tourism, geology, and mineral resources. The package also encompasses cooperation on archival projects and ongoing economic and financial dialogues. One specific agreement links Gujarat state with Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region. Furthermore, both sides approved initiatives for diplomatic training and measures related to 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 to support afforestation efforts 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. 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 remains on security cooperation and multilateral efforts
Discussions between Modi and Mirziyoyev also covered defense, counterterrorism, and regional security collaboration. They condemned terrorism, including cross-border threats, and called for action against funding networks, safe havens, and supporting infrastructure. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in law enforcement, intelligence exchange, cybersecurity, and organized crime. The ongoing military partnership was also highlighted, with their latest joint Dustlik military exercise conducted in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026. Both sides expressed support for continued engagement through regional and international organizations.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its backing for India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council. The two nations also agreed to bolster coordination via the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral platforms. During the visit, Mirziyoyev conferred the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order on Modi, Uzbekistan’s highest state honor for foreign leaders. Modi extended an invitation to Mirziyoyev to visit India, with dates to be finalized through diplomatic channels.