Uzbekistan, India agree to deepen strategic partnership

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and increase mutual trade to US$5 billion by 2030. The talks were held at the Kuksaroy residence on 30 August, the Uzbek presidential press service said.

At the beginning of the meeting, Modi congratulated Mirziyoyev on Uzbekistan’s Independence Day and wished the people of Uzbekistan peace, well-being and prosperity.

The leaders discussed further deepening the Uzbek-Indian strategic partnership and expanding cooperation across multiple areas. They noted active contacts at various levels.

In 2025, trade between the two countries exceeded US$1 billion for the first time. The number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold in recent years. Uzbekistan and India currently have 14 direct flights per week between them.

Cooperation in education is also expanding. Four Indian universities currently operate in Uzbekistan. In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, the Lal Bahadur Shastri Indian Culture Centre and the Mahatma Gandhi Indology Centre play an important role. The growing popularity of yoga in Uzbekistan and the development of cooperation in this area were also highlighted.

Following the talks, the sides agreed to intensify political contacts and exchanges at all levels. This includes cooperation between parliamentary friendship groups, the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council.

A special mechanism at the level of the two countries’ foreign ministries is planned to be established to coordinate bilateral cooperation.

A separate part of the talks focused on trade and economic ties and investment cooperation. The sides noted significant potential to increase mutual trade and agreed to take the necessary measures to reach US$5 billion by 2030.

The leaders also discussed expanding industrial cooperation and implementing new joint projects. Promising areas include energy, electrical engineering, metallurgy, critical minerals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and the jewelry industry. Cooperation in these sectors is expected to involve leading Indian companies.

Particular attention was paid to interregional ties. Partnership relations have been established between Andijan Region and Gujarat state, Ferghana Region and Haryana state, as well as Samarkand Region and Agra.

The sides agreed to expand cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Culture Days, concerts, exhibitions, forums and film festivals are planned to be held regularly. The current visit also provides for the signing of a five-year Cultural Exchange Programme.

Mirziyoyev and Modi exchanged views on current international and regional issues. The leaders noted effective cooperation between the two countries within international organizations and emphasized the need to continue mutual support for initiatives at the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS and other international organizations.

Following the talks, the heads of ministries and agencies were instructed to step up work on joint projects and programmes. Separate roadmaps are planned for each priority area, with specific implementation mechanisms, responsible parties and deadlines.