India, Uzbekistan Agree to Deepen Strategic Partnership Across Key Sectors
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties across trade, investment, security, digital technology, healthcare, education, energy and connectivity during PM Modi’s State Visit to Uzbekistan.
The two leaders held talks in Tashkent on August 30 and reviewed the current state and future prospects of India-Uzbekistan relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Focus on Trade and Investment
India and Uzbekistan agreed to diversify bilateral trade, remove non-tariff barriers and promote industrial cooperation. A Joint Working Group will be established to address non-tariff issues and investment barriers.
Both sides identified electrical goods, engineering products, automobiles and pharmaceuticals as sectors with significant potential for greater business-to-business cooperation. They also agreed to explore enhanced collaboration between Uzbekistan’s Investment Promotion Agency and Invest India.
The two countries will also examine the next steps following the conclusion of the Joint Feasibility Study on the Uzbekistan-India Preferential Trade Agreement.
Cooperation in Energy and Critical Minerals
The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in renewable energy, energy infrastructure, geology, mining, nuclear energy and critical minerals.
They will explore joint projects covering geological exploration, mining, mineral processing and the development of integrated critical-mineral value chains.
Defence and Security Cooperation
India and Uzbekistan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation, including through institutional exchanges, capacity-building and joint activities.
The leaders welcomed the successful conduct of the Uzbekistan-India Joint Military Exercise “Dustlik”, with the latest edition held in Uzbekistan’s Namangan Region in April 2026.
They also reaffirmed cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence-sharing, law enforcement, combating organised crime, cyber threats and illicit drug trafficking.
Digital Technology, AI and Space
The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in digital transformation, artificial intelligence and high technologies.
They welcomed the development of Uzbekistan’s first IT Park in Tashkent, established in 2019 with support from India’s Software Technology Parks of India, and agreed to expand partnerships among technology parks, startups, companies and educational institutions.
The leaders also agreed to promote cooperation in safe, secure and trustworthy AI, while expanding collaboration in the peaceful uses of outer space, including scientific data exchange, space applications, workshops and training.
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
India and Uzbekistan agreed to expand cooperation in public health, biomedical research and medical innovation.
The leaders welcomed growing collaboration in pharmaceuticals and highlighted the potential of the Tashkent Pharma Park for joint projects, pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology transfer and investment.
They also supported the establishment of new medical centres, laboratories, research institutions and joint pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises in Uzbekistan in cooperation with Indian companies.
$1 Million Support for Aral Sea Rehabilitation
India and Uzbekistan will cooperate in the greening and ecological rehabilitation of the Aral Sea region.
India will provide US$1 million, along with necessary technical support, under its Grant-in-Aid framework for rehabilitation efforts.
Support for India’s UN Security Council Bid
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
Both leaders called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to make it more representative and effective.
The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and advancing the interests of the Global South.
Prime Minister Modi also invited President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to pay a return visit to India, with the dates to be decided through diplomatic channels.
