India and Uzbekistan have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announcing an ambitious plan to raise bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030. The two leaders met in Tashkent, where they expanded cooperation across defence, critical minerals, energy, technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, digital infrastructure, and education.
A major highlight of the talks was the decision to establish a long‑term uranium supply framework from Uzbekistan to India, adding a crucial energy component to the partnership. With current trade standing at just over $1 billion, the new target represents a significant scaling‑up of economic engagement.
The discussions covered a wide spectrum of strategic sectors. Agreements were exchanged in mining, culture, education, tourism, and ayurveda, reflecting the broadening of ties beyond traditional areas. Cooperation between defence industries — including co‑production of military hardware — was identified as a priority, signalling deeper security collaboration.
Modi emphasised Uzbekistan’s central role in India’s Central Asia policy, noting that a stronger partnership would promote peace, progress and prosperity across the region. He highlighted that issues related to market access, banking, payment systems (including UPI), and connectivity would be addressed through a structured mechanism to facilitate smoother trade and investment flows.
The upgraded partnership aligns with India’s broader regional goals of enhancing connectivity, securing critical minerals, and strengthening defence cooperation across Eurasia.