India and Uzbekistan prepare long-term uranium supply deal

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — India and Uzbekistan are negotiating a long-term agreement on uranium supplies and expect to sign the document in the near future, Sibi George, Secretary (West) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said at a press briefing following the Indian prime minister’s state visit to Uzbekistan.

According to George, the sides have made progress on a long-term mechanism for supplying uranium to India. “We are getting closer to signing the agreement in the very near future,” he said. Work on the issue is being carried out as part of efforts to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

During the visit, the sides also signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in mining. According to the diplomat, the document will facilitate cooperation on critical minerals, including uranium supplies.

George noted that two business forums involving mining-sector companies from the two countries had been held this year. He said the business community had shown significant interest in developing a partnership with Uzbekistan in the sector.

George also said the sides were discussing exchanges of delegations to facilitate the implementation of the memorandum and intended to make significant progress in the mining sector in the coming months, supported by the institutional framework established and the involvement of business representatives.