During a state visit to Uzbekistan, India and the Central Asian nation signed multiple agreements spanning culture, heritage, trade, tourism and education. The Prime Minister’s Office released a list of outcomes covering ten memorandums of understanding, one letter of intent, and several bilateral announcements that aim to deepen ties between the two countries.
What was agreed
The two governments established a cultural exchange programme running from 2026 to 2030. India committed USD 1 million towards afforestation efforts in the Aral Sea region. A partnership on tourism cooperation has been set for 2026 to 2028.
In heritage conservation, India and Uzbekistan signed a letter of intent for the restoration of two ancient Buddhist sites in Termez, namely Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa.
On knowledge and professional exchange, India will provide 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri Scholarships for Hindi language study. An Indian Council for Cultural Relations Sanskrit chair has been established at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. The Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in India will partner with Uzbekistan’s Diplomatic Academy for diplomatic training.
Cooperation agreements were signed on Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems, archival work, mineral resources and geology, environmental protection, and higher education with scientific research. An economic and financial dialogue mechanism was established between the two finance ministries.
Gujarat state signed a partnership agreement with Samarkand region. Additionally, Indian digital payments infrastructure will now work in Uzbekistan, allowing UPI apps to scan Uzbek national QR codes for merchant payments.
The bilateral relationship itself has been elevated from a Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
What this means for you
Indians interested in language and culture study now have scholarship opportunities in Uzbekistan. Travellers and tourism businesses may benefit from expanded bilateral tourism cooperation. Those working in heritage conservation, traditional medicine, minerals and environmental sectors may find new collaborative opportunities with Uzbek counterparts. If you use digital payment apps while travelling in Uzbekistan, you will now be able to make payments directly through Indian UPI systems.