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 from August 29 to 30. Their talks focused on cooperation across trade, investment, transport, digital technology, energy, and critical minerals. Additionally, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, security, and regional issues were discussed.
Trade relations were a significant part of their dialogue. Uzbekistan reported bilateral trade of $1.3 billion in 2025, representing a 33% increase from the previous year. Both nations aim to raise their trade volume to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has also increased sevenfold recently. Currently, there are 14 direct flights per week between the countries, and four Indian universities have campuses in Uzbekistan.
Officials agreed to establish a mechanism involving foreign ministers to oversee bilateral commitments. A separate joint working group will focus on non-tariff measures and investment obstacles. Both nations will revisit further steps after completing a feasibility study for a Preferential Trade Agreement. Key sectors prioritized 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 multiple fields through new agreements
During the visit, India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements. These agreements cover cultural exchanges, higher education, scientific research, environmental protection, and traditional medicine. They also involve tourism, geology, mineral resources, archival cooperation, and economic dialogue. Regional ties between Gujarat state and Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region were also deepened. Additionally, arrangements were made for diplomatic training and archaeological conservation efforts at Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
The visit resulted in new commitments related to payments, education, and environmental initiatives. India pledged $1 million for afforestation and ecological projects in the Aral Sea area. It also announced 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Hindi studies and a Sanskrit academic chair in Tashkent. NPCI International Payments and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre reached a commercial deal involving UPI. This system will enable 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 covered defense, counterterrorism, and regional stability. The leaders condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and supported stronger actions against financing networks and safe havens. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in intelligence sharing, law enforcement, cyber security, and organized crime control. Both countries highlighted ongoing military engagement, including the Dustlik exercise conducted in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026. They endorsed increased collaboration through regional and international organizations.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for India’s bid to become a permanent member of a reformed United Nations Security Council. The two nations also committed to increased coordination through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral forums. During the visit, Mirziyoyev awarded Modi the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, Uzbekistan’s highest state honor for foreign leaders. Modi extended an invitation to Mirziyoyev to visit India, with the date to be finalized via diplomatic channels.