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 announced this enhancement during Modi’s state visit on August 29 to 30. Their dialogue encompassed cooperation in trade, investment, transport, digital technology, energy, and critical minerals. They also discussed healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, security, and regional issues.
Trade relations took center stage during the discussions between the two nations. Uzbekistan reported bilateral trade reaching $1.3 billion in 2025, representing a 33% yearly growth. Both countries established a target of increasing trade to $5 billion by 2030. In recent years, the count of joint ventures has increased sevenfold. Currently, there are 14 direct flights each week connecting the countries, and four Indian universities operate within Uzbekistan.
An agreement was reached to establish a mechanism at the foreign ministers level to oversee bilateral commitments. A separate joint working group will focus on non-tariff measures and investment barriers. The two nations will revisit further steps after completing a feasibility study for a Preferential Trade Agreement. Key sectors include energy, metallurgy, electrical engineering, critical minerals, and agriculture. The economic agenda also encompasses healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry.
Expansion of cooperation across diverse sectors through new agreements
During the visit, India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements. These agreements span cultural exchanges, higher education, scientific research, environmental protection, and traditional medicine. Additional areas covered are tourism, geology, mineral resources, archival cooperation, and economic dialogue. The Gujarat state and Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region also committed to deepening regional links. An arrangement was made for diplomatic training, and separate initiatives will support archaeological preservation at the Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
The visit also saw announcements related to payments, education, and environmental efforts. India pledged $1 million for 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 concluded a commercial deal involving UPI, enabling Indian UPI applications to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR code for merchant transactions.
Focus on security and multilateral cooperation continues
Discussions between Modi and Mirziyoyev also covered defense, counterterrorism, and regional stability. The leaders condemned terrorism, including cross-border activities, and advocated for stronger measures against financing networks and safe havens. They supported increased cooperation in intelligence sharing, law enforcement, cyber security, and combating organized crime. Both nations noted ongoing military collaboration, including the Dustlik exercise conducted in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026. They also endorsed enhanced coordination through regional and global organizations.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for India’s bid to secure permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council. Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation through 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 for Mirziyoyev to visit India, with the specific timing to be finalized via diplomatic channels.