PM Modi Uzbekistan Visit: PM Modi heads to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for the next SCO Summit

PM Modi Uzbekistan Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit to Uzbekistan has marked a significant step forward in India’s engagement with Central Asia.

During his meetings with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, defence, energy, digital technology, connectivity, healthcare and education.

The visit, which took place from August 29 to 30, aimed to strengthen the existing strategic partnership between the two countries and to lay out a broader roadmap for future cooperation.

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PM Modi Bilateral Meeting: Following high-level discussions, India and Uzbekistan agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signalling a new phase in bilateral ties.

PM Modi Uzbekistan Visit: Both the Nations Set $5 Billion Trade Target

India Uzbekistan Trade Deal: One of the major outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s visit was the decision to significantly expand bilateral trade.

Both sides have set an ambitious target of taking annual trade between India and Uzbekistan to $5 billion by 2030.

India-Uzbekistan Relations: Countries to Forge Stronger Business and Investment Ties

PM Modi Uzbekistan Visit: The two countries agreed to identify new areas of trade and investment, remove non-tariff barriers and promote greater cooperation between businesses.

Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, automobiles, engineering products and electrical goods have been identified as having considerable potential.

India and Uzbekistan will also explore measures to streamline trade procedures through digital platforms and e-commerce.

A joint working group is expected to address issues related to trade barriers and investment, while the two sides will work towards improving market access for businesses in both countries.

The leaders also discussed the possibility of taking forward work on a preferential trade agreement, building on an earlier feasibility study.

India-Uzbekistan Defence Cooperation

PM Modi Uzbekistan Visit: Defence and security were among the main subjects discussed. India and Uzbekistan have strengthened their military relations through exchanges, training, and joint exercises.

The two leaders welcomed the progress made by the Joint Working Group on Military Cooperation and discussed new methods of working together in the defence industries.

They also spoke about the successful joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan, Dustlik, which took place in Uzbekistan at the beginning of this year.

The two countries have agreed to continue working together in the struggle against terrorism and other security issues, and their law enforcement and security agencies intend to increase their cooperation through regular exchanges, training, and joint activities.

Energy, Uranium and Critical Minerals on the Agenda

PM Modi Uzbekistan Visit: During the visit, both countries stressed the importance of working together on energy security and natural resources; India and Uzbekistan also agreed to seek further opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, energy infrastructure, geology, mining, nuclear energy, and critical minerals.

A major result of the trip was the signing of a long-term agreement under which Uzbekistan will supply uranium to India.

This agreement has the potential to assist India in meeting its increasing energy demands and achieving its objective of using a wider variety of nuclear fuels.

The two countries also intend to collaborate in mineral processing, value-added product production, and recycling.

Indian companies may help develop Uzbekistan's mineral resources, while Uzbek companies could explore joint ventures in India.

Digital Technology, AI and Connectivity

Modi and Mirziyoyev discussed digital transformation and new technologies.

The two countries decided to cooperate more closely in areas such as digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, IT, cybersecurity, and space.

India and Uzbekistan wish to enhance the links in the fields of transport and logistics.

They intend to establish new transport routes and logistics corridors to facilitate the movement of goods and reduce transportation costs.

They also talked about collaborating on road infrastructure and environmentally friendly public transport solutions.

Cultural and Educational Ties

PM Modi Uzbekistan Visit: The partnership extends beyond the economic and strategic; India and Uzbekistan have also decided to strengthen cultural, educational, and personal ties.

They announced a number of new agreements, including a cultural exchange programme running from 2026 to 2030 and joint initiatives to protect and restore Uzbekistan's ancient Buddhist heritage sites.

India will provide scholarships for people studying Hindi, and a Sanskrit chair will be established at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.

The two countries have also decided to cooperate more in the fields of Ayurveda and traditional medicine.

A further important point is that Indian UPI apps will be able to scan the QR codes which are used nationally in Uzbekistan for merchant payments. This might simplify travel and payments for Indian visitors.

Uzbekistan’s Highest State Honour for PM Modi

PM Modi Uzbekistan Visit: At its visit to Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Modi was awarded the country's highest state honour, the Order of Oliy Darajali Dustlik, by President Mirziyoyev.

This award is in recognition of his efforts to strengthen the relations between India and Uzbekistan.

30-day visa-free for Indians: Indian citizens can now stay in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without a visa. This change is likely to increase tourism, business, and personal contacts between the two countries.

PM Modi Latest News: India–Uzbekistan Boost Relations Across Trade, Defence, and Energy with $5B Target

The Prime Minister's visit to Central Asia is evidence of India's continued efforts to improve its relations with the region.

The agreements reached in Tashkent should help India and Uzbekistan work together more closely, particularly in trade, energy, defence, technology, and connectivity.

This visit might mark the beginning of a new and significant stage in the relationship between the two countries, as it has elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and set a $5 billion trade target.

Modi’s Next Stop: 26th SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan

After concluding his trip to Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Modi went to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Here is a video of PM Modi receiving a warm welcome from the members of the Indian diaspora.

The SCO summit will be held from August 31 to September 1, and this time it is celebrating the group's 25th anniversary; India has been a full member since 2017.

At the summit, Modi is expected to concentrate on India's primary concerns, namely security, connectivity and opportunity, and he will also have meetings with the other leaders there.

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