Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and India discussed further expanding cooperation in tourism, culture and creative industries in Tashkent.
The meeting between Uzbekistan Tourism Committee Chairman Abdulaziz Akkulov and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador for Tourism and Culture to India Ritu Beri focused on promoting the country’s tourism potential and launching joint projects.
The sides discussed opportunities to expand tourist exchanges and cooperation in culture, arts, handicrafts, fashion and the creative economy, as well as promoting Uzbekistan in the Indian tourism market.
The meeting noted that relations between the two countries have acquired strategic importance in recent years.
In August 2026, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Uzbekistan and his talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the sides reached agreements on further developing bilateral ties at the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
One practical outcome of the visit was the signing of a Tourism Cooperation Programme for 2026–2028. The document provides a framework for expanding tourist exchanges, implementing joint projects, holding cultural events and creating new tourism destinations.
Additional opportunities to increase tourist flows have emerged following changes to entry requirements.
Since 1 September, Indian citizens holding a valid multiple-entry tourist or business visa issued by Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Schengen Agreement countries, New Zealand or Japan, as well as an air ticket for departure to their home country or a third country, may enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days, within the validity period of one of the specified foreign visas.
The expansion of direct air links is also contributing to the development of tourism ties. Since 28 September, Centrum Air has operated regular flights on the Tashkent–Hyderabad–Tashkent route.
In connection with the launch of the route, a familiarisation tour of Uzbekistan was organised for representatives of Hyderabad’s tourism industry from 2 to 5 October. On 5 October, the Uzbekistan–India Travel & Tourism Business Forum and B2B meetings were held in Tashkent.
The talks also focused on opportunities for cooperation in Indian fashion, design and creative industries. Taking into account Ritu Beri’s experience, the sides proposed implementing joint projects and organising a familiarisation creative tour of Uzbekistan for representatives of India’s fashion and design industry and specialised media.
The sides also discussed media and creative initiatives aimed at shaping a modern image of Uzbekistan as a tourism destination in India. Indian designers, specialised media, cultural platforms and public opinion leaders are proposed to be involved in promoting the country.
Following the meeting, agreements were reached on a visit to Uzbekistan by leading representatives of India’s wedding industry and prominent experts.
The sides also agreed to explore the possibility of filming an Indian movie in Uzbekistan and develop a separate roadmap for the systematic implementation of joint initiatives.
The participants expressed their readiness to continue practical work to develop tourism and cultural and humanitarian ties, create new tourism products and promote Uzbekistan in the Indian market.
