Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that India and Uzbekistan have decided to elevate their relations to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting an ambitious bilateral trade goal of $5 billion by 2030.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that both countries share common aspirations and aim to expand cooperation in the fields of trade, technology, defense, energy, infrastructure, and other strategic areas.
Modi noted that Uzbekistan is at the center of Central Asia and at the heart of India's interests in the region. He recalled that 2026 will mark the 15th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and Uzbekistan, and both countries now intend to give their ties a broader and more ambitious character.
The Prime Minister stated that India and Uzbekistan have deep similarities in thinking and goals. He stressed that youth, innovation, inclusive growth, and modern technology are the foundation of both Young Uzbekistan and Developed India 2047. Based on this common vision, they continuously work for the well-being of the people of both countries. On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the partnership, it was decided to upgrade the level of relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Modi added that bilateral trade has already exceeded $1 billion, and the goal is now set to reach $5 billion by 2030.
During delegation-level talks at the Presidential Palace in Khujand, Modi announced a long-term agreement for uranium supplies from Uzbekistan. He stated that a long-term agreement on uranium supplies would be concluded and that three agreements between sister cities and sister states would be formalized today, and that a roadmap needs to be developed for the full realization of their potential.
The parties also discussed cooperation in digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, clean energy, space, and nuclear energy. Modi noted that joint work on infrastructure development will contribute to mutually beneficial cooperation, and cooperation in areas such as digital public infrastructure, AI, critical minerals, clean energy, space, and nuclear energy makes their relationship future-ready.
In the field of defense and security, Modi reported that cooperation will expand through direct links, joint production, and joint development between the defense industries of the two countries. He emphasized that close cooperation in defense and security reflects deep mutual trust, and in the future, they will promote direct links, joint production, and joint development between the defense sectors of both nations.
Modi also highlighted the shared commitment of India and Uzbekistan to combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism, stating that they consider these threats a serious challenge to the entire region, and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards these threats is their common resolve.
The Prime Minister also covered cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, and traditional medicine, noting that the strengths of both countries can complement each other. He said that combining Uzbekistan's expertise in horticulture with India's modern agricultural practices will contribute to the food security of both nations, and Uzbekistan's medicinal herbs and India's experience in Ayurveda represent a natural combination.
Furthermore, Modi announced the creation of three partnerships between sister cities and sister states to expand cooperation beyond national capitals. He noted the potential for interaction between the 'New Tashkent' project in Uzbekistan and GIFT City in India. The Prime Minister expressed his readiness to receive a delegation from Uzbekistan to study best practices and utilize technologies in these projects.
Mirziyoyev stated that several new areas where India and Uzbekistan can expand cooperation were identified during the talks, including energy, culture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, and agriculture. He specified that roadmaps will be prepared for each of these sectors, and teams from India will visit Uzbekistan, while Uzbek teams will go to India to clearly define their objectives in these areas.
The President of Uzbekistan also stated that both countries will continue to coordinate actions on global issues and support each other in international forums, including the United Nations, BRICS, and the Non-Aligned Movement. He also emphasized growing educational and cultural ties, mentioning that four Indian universities operate in Uzbekistan. Mirziyoyev added that the 30-day visa-free stay regime and efforts to promote direct flights will further strengthen people-to-people exchange.
During the visit, Mirziyoyev presented Prime Minister Modi with the highest state award of Uzbekistan—the Order of 'Oliy Darajali Dustlik'. Modi called this moment a 'moment of great pride', noting that the award reflects the long-standing friendship between the two countries. He explained that the word 'Dostlik' means friendship and perfectly conveys the essence of relations between India and Uzbekistan. Modi dedicated this award to the people of India and the shared heritage of the two countries, stating that the award belongs not to one person but to the 1.4 billion people of India. He assured the people of Uzbekistan that India will never abandon its commitments to this historic land and will honor this friendship in all aspects.
The Prime Minister also participated in a special yoga session in Tashkent with the participation of 52 participants from Uzbekistan. In an X post, Modi noted that Uzbekistan participated in the first World Yoga Championship held in Ahmedabad earlier this year. He added that some medalists were present today and returned with wonderful memories of India and the championship. Modi also highly praised the Uzbekistan Yoga Federation for promoting yoga in the country.
The Prime Minister is on a two-country visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. From Tashkent, he will travel to Bishkek to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit on August 31 and September 1.
