India-Uzbekistan Elevate Ties Towards Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; Modi, Mirziyoyev Agree to Deepen Cooperation Across Key Sectors.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day State Visit to Uzbekistan on August 30, during which he held extensive discussions with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and addressing regional and global challenges.
The visit, held at the invitation of President Mirziyoyev from August 29 to 30, saw the two leaders review the entire spectrum of India-Uzbekistan relations and identify priority areas for future cooperation.
During their talks, Modi and Mirziyoyev expressed satisfaction over the strong and expanding partnership between the two countries, describing it as being rooted in longstanding friendship and deep historical and cultural ties. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen bilateral relations and elevate cooperation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
India and Uzbekistan Stress Strategic Importance of Central Asia
The two leaders noted the growing importance of Central Asia amid a complex geopolitical environment and stressed the need for a free, open and rules-based international order.
They agreed to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, transport connectivity, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, information technology, space, cybersecurity, energy transition, critical minerals, food security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and education.
The leaders also agreed to strengthen political dialogue and maintain regular exchanges at leadership and institutional levels, including meetings on the sidelines of international events.
A Foreign Ministers-led mechanism will be established to provide high-level coordination and oversight for implementing agreements reached between the two countries and to ensure timely progress on priority bilateral projects.
Stronger Parliamentary and Security Cooperation
India and Uzbekistan agreed to intensify parliamentary diplomacy, including greater interaction between the chambers of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis and the Indian Parliament, parliamentary friendship groups and international inter-parliamentary organisations.
The two sides also agreed to review and modernise the existing legal framework governing bilateral cooperation to ensure that it reflects present-day priorities.
On security, Modi and Mirziyoyev strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They reaffirmed a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and called for coordinated action against terrorist organisations, financing networks, safe havens and infrastructure.
The leaders stressed that those responsible for terrorism, including perpetrators, backers, facilitators and affiliates, must be brought to justice. They also called for greater cooperation in law enforcement, intelligence-sharing, combating violent extremism, drug trafficking, organised crime and cyber threats.
The two sides reaffirmed the importance of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism.
Defence cooperation was also highlighted, with the leaders appreciating regular exchanges, institutional mechanisms, capacity-building programmes and joint activities between the two countries.
They welcomed the successful conduct of the Uzbekistan-India Joint Military Exercise Dustlik, the latest edition of which was held in Uzbekistan’s Namangan Region in April 2026.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under the Central Asia-India framework.
Push to Expand Bilateral Trade and Investment
Trade and investment emerged as a major focus of the discussions. The leaders noted the significant potential for expanding bilateral economic ties and agreed to diversify trade and identify new areas of cooperation.
India and Uzbekistan will undertake joint measures to broaden the range of goods traded between the two countries, remove non-tariff barriers and promote industrial cooperation.
A Joint Working Group will be created to address non-tariff issues and investment barriers, particularly in key sectors of bilateral trade.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in e-commerce, digitalisation of trade procedures and digital platforms aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
Uzbekistan appreciated India’s support for its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, particularly in the interests of developing countries.
India and Uzbekistan also agreed to promote manufacturing and export capabilities, increase regulatory dialogue and explore mutual recognition arrangements to facilitate faster market access.
The leaders welcomed the outcomes of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and the Uzbekistan-India Business Forums held in June 2026 in Tashkent and August 2026 in New Delhi.
Both countries agreed to encourage greater cooperation between Indian and Uzbek companies, strengthen value-added supply chains and take advantage of complementarities between the two economies.
Electrical goods, engineering products, automobiles and pharmaceuticals were identified as sectors with substantial potential for increased bilateral trade and closer business-to-business cooperation.
The leaders also agreed to identify mutually beneficial investment opportunities and establish mechanisms to address investor concerns and improve ease of doing business.
Cooperation between Uzbekistan’s Investment Promotion Agency and Invest India will also be explored through business forums, roadshows, investment seminars and stakeholder interactions.
The two leaders welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade and directed their respective ministries to examine the next steps following the conclusion of the Joint Feasibility Study on the Uzbekistan-India Preferential Trade Agreement.
Energy and Critical Minerals Identified as Key Areas
India and Uzbekistan agreed to explore expanded cooperation in renewable energy, modernisation of energy infrastructure and prospective investment projects.
The two sides will also examine opportunities in geology, mining, nuclear energy, industrial cooperation and critical and strategic minerals.
Potential cooperation includes geological exploration, mining, mineral processing, production of value-added products and recycling. Both sides expressed interest in encouraging companies from the two countries to participate in mineral development projects.
The leaders also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Focus on Agriculture and Food Security
The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and food security, including the development of agricultural value chains, export capabilities and technical capacity in agriculture and livestock.
The leaders stressed the importance of innovation and resource-efficient technologies and agreed to promote agricultural research, scientific exchanges and modern and sustainable farming practices.
India and Uzbekistan will also facilitate bilateral trade in agricultural products and encourage cooperation between research institutions and enterprises to improve agricultural productivity and conserve plant genetic resources.
Transport and Connectivity Cooperation to Get Major Push
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to improving transport and logistics connectivity through multimodal transport routes and logistics corridors.
India and Uzbekistan will work together to restore and expand freight transportation with the objective of reducing transportation costs.
The countries will also exchange expertise in road construction using advanced technologies and explore joint projects for reconstruction and modernisation of road infrastructure.
Cooperation in environmentally friendly and energy-efficient public transport solutions for Uzbekistan will also be explored.
Digital Technology, AI and Space Cooperation Expanded
The leaders welcomed the successful operation of the first IT Park in Tashkent, established in 2019 based on the Indian model with active support from the Software Technology Parks of India.
They agreed to expand partnerships between technology parks, companies, startups and educational institutions in both countries.
India and Uzbekistan also agreed to strengthen cooperation in high technologies and digital transformation, building on understandings reached in February 2026 on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
The two sides will work together on the development of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems, including through exchanges of experience and best practices.
The leaders also reaffirmed their interest in expanding cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, including space applications, scientific data sharing, joint workshops and training programmes.
Education, Healthcare and Human Resource Development
The leaders recognised the important contribution of Indian students to people-to-people relations between India and Uzbekistan.
They welcomed the continued expansion of India studies in Uzbekistan and supported greater promotion of Uzbek studies in India.
The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in human resource development through joint research programmes and academic initiatives.
The leaders noted the longstanding cooperation in capacity building, particularly in medicine, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, nanotechnology and biotechnology.
More than 2,700 Uzbek nationals have participated in India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, while more than 400 Uzbek students have been selected for Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships, including scholarships under AYUSH.
Uzbekistan welcomed the announcement of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Scholarship for Hindi Language in Uzbekistan, while both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further cooperation under the ITEC programme.
$1 Million India Grant for Aral Sea Ecological Rehabilitation
India and Uzbekistan agreed to cooperate in greening and ecological rehabilitation of the Aral Sea region.
The initiative reflects the shared environmental priorities represented by Uzbekistan’s “Yashil Makon” and India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaigns.
India will provide US$1 million, along with necessary technical support, under its Grant-in-Aid framework for rehabilitation efforts in the Aral Sea region.
Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Cooperation to Expand
The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in public health, biomedical research and medical innovation, with both countries seeking to leverage their respective strengths to develop new treatments and therapies.
They welcomed the growing partnership in pharmaceuticals and highlighted the potential of the Tashkent Pharma Park Innovative Scientific and Industrial Pharmaceutical Cluster.
The cluster is expected to support joint projects, attract investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing, localise production, facilitate technology transfer and develop skilled human resources.
India and Uzbekistan also expressed support for establishing new medical centres, laboratories, research institutions and joint pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises in Uzbekistan in cooperation with Indian companies.
Cultural and Heritage Cooperation Strengthened
The leaders highlighted the centuries-old historical and cultural connections between the peoples of India and Uzbekistan.
They agreed to expand cultural and humanitarian cooperation through cultural days, festivals, exhibitions, artistic tours and stronger institutional links.
The two sides welcomed the signing of the Cultural Exchange Program for 2026-2030 and cooperation in the field of archives.
India and Uzbekistan will also cooperate in the preservation, restoration and promotion of World Heritage sites.
The leaders expressed interest in collaboration among research institutions, museums and restoration centres, including the digitalisation of cultural heritage sites, creation of 3D models of archaeological artefacts and use of advanced conservation technologies.
They also welcomed the Letter of Intent concerning conservation and restoration of the ancient Buddhist sites of Fayaz Tepa and Karatepa.
Sports and Yoga Cooperation
The two countries agreed to strengthen sports cooperation, including exchanges of expertise in athlete preparation and coach training in badminton, archery and chess.
The leaders also highlighted the role of yoga in promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening people-to-people ties.
They welcomed cooperation between the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan and India’s Ministry of AYUSH on instructor training and Uzbekistan’s participation in international Yogasana competitions.
The two sides also welcomed the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in traditional medicines.
India, Uzbekistan to Coordinate Closely at Global Forums
Modi and Mirziyoyev reaffirmed that the United Nations should remain central to maintaining global peace and security.
They called for comprehensive UN reform, including reform of the Security Council, to make the organisation more representative and effective in addressing contemporary international challenges.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen coordination in international forums in support of the common interests of the Global South.
They reaffirmed their commitment to deeper cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), recognising it as an important platform for regional peace, security, stability, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Uzbekistan Congratulates India on BRICS Chairship
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 and wished India success in hosting the BRICS Summit.
Modi expressed confidence in Uzbekistan’s successful Chairship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from 2027 to 2030 and reaffirmed India’s readiness to continue supporting the organisation as one of its founding members.
The two leaders also noted the role of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in promoting international cooperation.
India welcomed Uzbekistan’s interest in joining these frameworks and conveyed its readiness to pursue the necessary consultations and processes for accession.
Modi Invites Mirziyoyev to India
At the conclusion of the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Government and people of Uzbekistan for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him.
Modi also invited President Mirziyoyev to pay a return visit to India. The dates for the visit will be decided through diplomatic channels.
The agreements and understandings reached during the visit are expected to provide fresh momentum to India-Uzbekistan relations, with particular emphasis on trade, investment, security, critical minerals, digital technology, healthcare, education, connectivity and people-to-people ties.
