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 on August 29 to 30. They examined cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, transport, digital technology, energy, and critical minerals. The talks also encompassed healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, security, and regional issues.
Trade relations took center stage in the discussions, with Uzbekistan reporting bilateral trade of $1.3 billion in 2025, reflecting a 33% yearly growth. Both nations aim to increase trade to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has surged sevenfold over recent years. Currently, there are 14 direct flights per week between the two countries, and four Indian universities operate within Uzbekistan.
Both governments agreed to establish a mechanism at the foreign ministers level to oversee bilateral commitments. A dedicated joint working group will focus on non-tariff barriers and investment challenges. An upcoming review will evaluate further steps following a feasibility study for a Preferential Trade Agreement. Key sectors include energy, metallurgy, electrical engineering, critical minerals, and agriculture. The economic agenda also emphasizes healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry.
Multiple sector cooperation agreements signed during the visit
India and Uzbekistan formalized their expanded cooperation through 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements. These cover areas such as cultural exchanges, higher education, scientific research, environmental protection, and traditional medicine. Additional agreements focus on tourism, geology, mineral resources, archival work, and economic dialogue. The Gujarat state and Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region committed to enhancing regional ties. An arrangement was also signed for diplomatic training, and separate measures aim to support archaeological preservation at the Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
The overall visit resulted in new initiatives in payments, education, and environmental efforts. India pledged $1 million for forestation and ecological projects in the Aral Sea region. It also announced 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Hindi language studies and established a Sanskrit academic chair in Tashkent. A commercial agreement between NPCI International Payments and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre involves UPI, allowing Indian UPI applications to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR code for merchant transactions.
Security cooperation and multilateral collaboration discussed
Discussions between Modi and Mirziyoyev included defense, counterterrorism, and regional security. The leaders condemned terrorism, including cross-border activities, and supported strengthened measures against financing networks and safe havens. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in intelligence sharing, law enforcement, cyber security, and combating organized crime. Military engagement was highlighted, including the Dustlik exercise held in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026. Both nations also pledged to enhance coordination within regional and international organizations.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for India’s bid for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council. The two countries committed to reinforce collaboration through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral platforms. During the visit, Mirziyoyev awarded Modi the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, Uzbekistan’s highest national honour for foreign leaders. Modi extended an invitation to Mirziyoyev to visit India, with the specific timing to be arranged through diplomatic channels.