India and Uzbekistan have elevated their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, signaling a deeper and broader scope of cooperation between the two nations. This significant upgrade, announced following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, also established an ambitious target of achieving USD 5 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030.
The Chenab Times has learned that the leaders agreed to intensify collaboration across a spectrum of key sectors, including mining, tourism, defence, security, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, health, information technology, and education. The current bilateral trade volume stands at over USD 1 billion, underscoring the substantial growth potential envisioned by both countries.
During their discussions, Prime Minister Modi highlighted Uzbekistan’s pivotal role in Central Asia and its importance to India’s regional engagement strategy. He stated that a strengthened India-Uzbekistan partnership would serve as a potent force for peace, progress, and prosperity within the Central Asian region.
A central outcome of the high-level talks was the signing of 11 agreements designed to bolster engagement in critical areas. Among these was the establishment of a framework for the long-term supply of uranium from Uzbekistan to India, aligning with existing cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector. This move is expected to enhance energy security for India.
In the realm of defence and security, the leaders agreed to foster closer ties between their respective industries, exploring avenues for co-development and co-production of military hardware. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the deep mutual trust underpinning the defence cooperation and expressed commitment to promoting direct linkages, co-production, and co-development initiatives between the defence industries of India and Uzbekistan.
Both nations reiterated their shared resolve to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism, acknowledging these threats as significant challenges to the entire region. A policy of zero tolerance towards these elements was reaffirmed as a cornerstone of their mutual commitment.
Further expanding cooperation, the two sides agreed to facilitate the integration of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Uzbekistan’s payment systems. An agreement was finalized between NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre JSC, enabling UPI apps in India to scan the national QR code UZQR for merchant payments within Uzbekistan. This initiative is poised to simplify digital transactions and boost economic activity.
Additionally, a grant of USD 1 million was announced for afforestation efforts in the ecologically sensitive Aral Sea region, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental sustainability.
The leaders also expressed interest in collaborative projects in the fields of geology, mining, nuclear energy, industrial cooperation, and critical minerals. This includes joint ventures for processing mineral resources, producing value-added products, and implementing recycling initiatives. Indian companies are encouraged to participate in the development of prospective mineral deposits in Uzbekistan, while Uzbek enterprises are invited for joint collaborations in India. Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy was also a key point of discussion.
To ensure effective coordination and provide strategic direction to their burgeoning partnership, a Coordination Council at the level of Foreign Ministers will be established. Furthermore, the existing joint commission between the two countries will be elevated from the secretary level to the ministerial level, signifying a heightened level of engagement. A joint business summit featuring leaders from both nations’ business communities is also planned.
The discussions also encompassed the restoration and conservation of historical Buddhist sites, Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa, in Uzbekistan, acknowledging their cultural significance along the ancient Silk Road. Both leaders welcomed the strong alignment of their positions and underscored the increasing importance of Central Asia in the global geopolitical landscape, advocating for a free, open, and rules-based international order.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
