India and Uzbekistan have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking 15 years since their original Strategic Partnership began. The Prime Minister announced this during a joint press statement with the President of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. The upgrade signals deeper cooperation across trade, defence, technology, agriculture, health and cultural exchanges.
Key announcements and details
The two countries have set an ambitious target to raise bilateral trade from its current level of over one billion dollars to five billion dollars by 2030. To achieve this, they plan to focus on market access, connectivity improvements, and banking and payment systems.
New areas of cooperation include:
- Digital Public Infrastructure, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, clean energy, space technology and nuclear energy
- Agriculture, combining Uzbekistan’s horticultural expertise with India’s modern farming practices
- Traditional medicine, leveraging Uzbekistan’s medicinal herbs and India’s Ayurveda knowledge
- Defence industry cooperation including co-production and co-development initiatives
- Buddhist heritage site preservation in Uzbekistan
- Tourism cooperation through a new Program of Cooperation
- Hindi language promotion through scholarship announcements
- Sports partnerships including chess, Kuraash and Kabaddi
Both nations have committed to expanding city and state-level partnerships to deepen direct connections in urban management, industry, education, tourism and culture. Student and professional exchanges between the two countries will be promoted as a high priority.
The countries have also reaffirmed their shared commitment to zero tolerance towards terrorism, extremism and separatism in the region.
What this means for you
Indian businesses and exporters may find new opportunities as trade barriers are reduced and connectivity improves. Students interested in exchanges or scholarships can expect more programmes between the two countries. Professionals in technology, agriculture, defence and healthcare sectors may see expanded collaboration opportunities. The focus on cultural and sports exchanges means Indians travelling to Uzbekistan or interested in these fields may benefit from improved bilateral ties.