TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Following high-level discussions in Tashkent, India and Uzbekistan have elevated their diplomatic relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced this enhancement during Modi’s official visit from August 29 to 30. The leaders examined cooperation across sectors such as trade, investment, transport, digital innovations, energy, and critical minerals. They also discussed healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, security, and regional issues.
Economic collaboration was a key topic of discussion. Uzbekistan reported bilateral trade reaching $1.3 billion in 2025, reflecting a 33% increase year-over-year. Both nations have set a target to increase trade to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has grown sevenfold in recent years. Currently, there are 14 direct flights weekly between the two countries, and four Indian universities operate within Uzbekistan.
The officials agreed to establish a mechanism at the foreign ministers level to oversee bilateral commitments. A dedicated joint working group will focus on addressing non-tariff barriers and investment hurdles. Both nations will also review subsequent steps after completing a feasibility study for a Preferential Trade Agreement. Priority sectors include energy, metallurgy, electrical engineering, critical minerals, and agriculture. The economic agenda also covers healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry.
Expansion of cooperation across various fields through new agreements
During the visit, India and Uzbekistan formalized 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements. These cover cultural exchanges, higher education, scientific collaboration, environmental protection, and traditional medicine. Additional agreements pertain to tourism, geology, mineral resources, archival cooperation, and economic dialogue. Furthermore, Gujarat state and Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region committed to deepen regional ties. An agreement also was reached on diplomatic training, along with measures to support archaeological preservation at the Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
The visit also resulted in announcements related to payments, education, and environmental initiatives. India pledged $1 million towards afforestation and ecological projects in the Aral Sea basin. It also revealed plans for 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Hindi language studies and a Sanskrit academic chair in Tashkent. A commercial agreement between NPCI International Payments and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre will enable UPI systems to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR code for merchant transactions.
Security cooperation and multilateral engagement remain priorities
Discussions between Modi and Mirziyoyev also covered defence, counterterrorism, and regional security issues. Both leaders condemned terrorism, including cross-border activities, and endorsed stronger measures against terrorist financing and safe havens. They emphasized increased cooperation in intelligence sharing, law enforcement, cyber security, and combating organized crime. India and Uzbekistan highlighted ongoing military exchanges, such as the Dustlik exercise held in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026. Both governments also supported broader coordination through regional and international organizations.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its backing for India’s bid to become a permanent member of a reformed United Nations Security Council. The two nations agreed to bolster cooperation through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral platforms. During the visit, Mirziyoyev awarded Modi the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, which Uzbekistan recognizes as its highest state honour for foreign leaders. Modi extended an invitation to Mirziyoyev for a visit to India, with the timing to be arranged through diplomatic channels.