Modi, Mirziyoyev Upgrade India-Uzbekistan Strategic Ties
TASHKENT: India and Uzbekistan have set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his visit to Tashkent.
The two countries also agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signalling a broader push to strengthen economic, diplomatic and strategic cooperation.
The trade target was among the key outcomes of Modi’s discussions with Mirziyoyev. Both sides expressed the intention to expand commercial engagement and create new opportunities for businesses in the two countries.
India and Uzbekistan Expand Economic Cooperation
The two leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity and other strategic sectors.
India and Uzbekistan have been looking to expand economic ties beyond existing areas of cooperation. The latest agreement is aimed at giving greater momentum to bilateral commerce and encouraging stronger participation from businesses.
The countries have also agreed to strengthen institutional mechanisms for coordination, including greater engagement between officials and business communities.
Long-Term Uranium Supply Deal Also Discussed
Energy cooperation emerged as another important component of the talks. India and Uzbekistan agreed to work towards a long-term arrangement for uranium supplies, adding a strategic dimension to their expanding partnership.
The agreement is significant for India's efforts to strengthen long-term energy cooperation and diversify its sources of nuclear fuel.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in areas including connectivity and clean energy, alongside broader economic engagement.
Modi's Uzbekistan Visit Strengthens Central Asia Ties
Modi's visit to Uzbekistan comes as India seeks to deepen its engagement with Central Asia. The prime minister arrived in Tashkent on August 29 as part of a four-day visit that also includes participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The visit is Modi's latest effort to strengthen India's strategic presence in the region while expanding economic and diplomatic partnerships with Central Asian countries.
India and Uzbekistan's decision to elevate their ties and set a $5 billion trade target indicates a push to make the relationship more comprehensive, with commerce, investment, energy and connectivity forming important pillars of future cooperation.
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