New Delhi/Tashkent: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during which the two leaders undertook a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of India-Uzbekistan relations and discussed ways to further expand the partnership.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade and investment, infrastructure, critical minerals, mining, defence and security, innovation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, information technology, digital public infrastructure, including UPI, and education.
During the talks, India and Uzbekistan set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030, signalling their intention to significantly deepen economic engagement and create new opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.
A major outcome of the meeting was the decision to elevate India-Uzbekistan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The move reflects the growing depth of bilateral engagement and the expanding scope of cooperation between the two countries.
The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of several MoUs and agreements covering areas such as mining, culture, education, tourism and Ayurveda, further broadening the institutional framework for bilateral cooperation.
India and Uzbekistan also agreed on a Letter of Intent for the restoration and conservation of the ancient Buddhist sites of Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa in Uzbekistan. The initiative seeks to preserve an important part of the shared historical and civilisational heritage connecting the two countries.
The meeting underlined the importance both sides attach to expanding cooperation in emerging areas such as critical minerals, digital technology and innovation, while simultaneously strengthening traditional areas of partnership such as education, healthcare, agriculture and culture.
The elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, coupled with the USD 5 billion trade target by 2030, marks a significant new phase in India-Uzbekistan relations and reflects the two countries’ shared resolve to build a broader and more future-oriented partnership.