India and Uzbekistan comprehensive strategic partnership
Why in News?
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Tashkent (29–30 August 2026), India and Uzbekistan elevated their 15-year-old Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking the highest level of bilateral engagement for both countries.
Background of India–Uzbekistan Relations
- Historical & civilisational ties: Centuries-old cultural, trade, and Sufi links; Uzbekistan seen as part of India’s extended neighbourhood in Central Asia.
- Diplomatic timeline:
- Diplomatic relations established in 1992 (post-USSR).
- 2011: Elevated to Strategic Partnership.
- 2026: Upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Modi’s visit.
- Multilateral convergence: Both cooperate in UN, SCO, CICA, and share concerns on terrorism, extremism, and regional stability in Afghanistan.
Economic & Trade Targets
- Trade Target: Set an ambitious bilateral trade target of USD 5 billion by 2030, scaling up from the current level of over USD 1 billion.
- Business Summit: Both nations agreed to jointly organise a major Business Summit featuring prominent business leaders to boost commercial engagement.
- Barrier Trade Review: Established a Joint Working Group to handle non-tariff issues and investment barriers to smoothen the ease of doing business.
- Trade Pacts: Directed ministries to advance the next steps on the Uzbekistan-India Preferential Trade Agreement within a time-bound framework.
Energy, Strategic Security & Institutional Frameworks
- Uranium Supply: Agreed on a long-term framework arrangement for the steady supply of Uranium from Uzbekistan to India to support civilian nuclear energy.
- Counter-Terrorism: Issued a joint condemnation of cross-border terrorism, promising a zero-tolerance approach and intelligence sharing.
- Military Collaboration: Praised the annual 'Dustlik' joint military exercise (last held in April 2026) and agreed to deepen co-development and co-production in defence.
- Coordination Council: Established a new high-level Coordination Council led directly by the respective Foreign Ministers to oversee bilateral implementations.
- Intergovernmental Upgrade: Elevated the existing Joint Intergovernmental Commission from the bureaucrat/secretary level to the Ministerial level.
Technology, Connectivity, & Other MoUs
- Digital Infrastructure: Announced the global rollout and expansion of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in Uzbekistan to facilitate seamless digital financial transactions.
- Sectoral Pacts: Signed 11 comprehensive agreements (MoUs) spanning crucial sectors including mining, tourism, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, space exploration, and cyber threats.
- Connectivity Corridors: Emphasised linking Central Asia via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Ashgabat Agreement, and developing transport access routes connected to the Chabahar Port.
- WTO Accession: India officially reiterated its strong support for Uzbekistan's fast-tracked accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
