TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – On Sunday, India and Uzbekistan announced the elevation of their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signaling an expansion of cooperation across key economic and security domains. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made the announcement following bilateral talks at the Kuksaroy Residence in Tashkent. During their discussions, the leaders assessed progress in trade, investment, transport, digital technology, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education sectors. Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30 was at the invitation of Mirziyoyev.
Economic cooperation was a central focus of the dialogue. According to the Uzbek government, bilateral trade reached $1.3 billion in 2025, reflecting a 33% increase. Both nations have set an ambitious goal to raise annual trade volume to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures between India and Uzbekistan has grown sevenfold over recent years. Currently, there are 14 direct flights weekly connecting the two countries, and four Indian universities operate in Uzbekistan. The leaders emphasized the importance of broadening industrial and commercial links further.
The two governments agreed to establish a mechanism at the foreign ministers’ level to oversee the implementation of their bilateral agreements. Additionally, they intend to create a joint working group to address non-tariff barriers and investment hurdles. Officials will explore additional steps after completing a feasibility study for an India-Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement. Among the sectors prioritized are energy, electrical engineering, metallurgy, critical minerals, and agriculture. Discussions also encompassed healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry industries, highlighting the comprehensive nature of their economic partnership.
Expansion of cooperation through agreements across vital sectors
During the state visit, India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements. These agreements encompass areas such as culture, higher education, scientific research, environmental protection, traditional medicine, tourism, geology, and mineral resources. A notable component of the pact involves collaboration in archival research and economic and financial dialogue. An additional agreement connects Gujarat state with Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region. The two countries also endorsed cooperation on diplomatic training and measures related to archaeological research and preservation at the Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa Buddhist sites.
The visit also resulted in several new initiatives focusing on payments, education, and environmental projects. India pledged a $1 million grant aimed at afforestation efforts in the Aral Sea region. It also announced the launch of 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri scholarships for Hindi language studies, along with establishing a Sanskrit academic chair in Tashkent. NPCI International Payments signed a commercial agreement with Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre to facilitate UPI transactions. This arrangement will enable Indian UPI applications to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR system for merchant payments, strengthening cross-border digital financial services.
Security cooperation and multilateral engagement remain priorities
Addressing issues of defense, counterterrorism, and regional security, Modi and Mirziyoyev reaffirmed their commitment to fight terrorism, including cross-border threats. They called for coordinated action against financing networks, safe havens, and supporting infrastructure for terror groups. Both leaders emphasized enhancing cooperation in law enforcement, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and tackling organized crime. Their joint military exercises, including the Dustlik drill held in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region in April 2026, exemplify their ongoing defense collaboration. They also expressed support for ongoing engagement within regional and international organizations.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its backing for India’s bid to become a permanent member of a reformed United Nations Security Council. Both nations agreed to strengthen their coordination through platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral forums. During the visit, Mirziyoyev awarded Prime Minister 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 specific dates to be finalized through diplomatic channels.