Central Asia Monitoring Desk Islamabad
India and Uzbekistan are taking the bilatera relations to comprehensive strategic partnership level with consensus on taking the necessary measures to raise trade turnover to $5 billion by 2030. President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi have decided to expand industrial and inter regional cooperation between three regions from each country.
The leaders held talks at the Kuksaroy Residence. At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the President of Uzbekistan on Independence Day and sincerely wished the people of Uzbekistan peace, well-being, and prosperity.
The leaders discussed key issues related to further deepening the Uzbek-Indian strategic partnership and expanding multifaceted cooperation.
They expressed deep satisfaction with the continued active and productive contacts at various levels.
Last year, bilateral trade exceeded $1 billion for the first time. The number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold in recent years, while the two countries are now connected by 14 direct flights per week.
Cooperation in education continues to expand, with four Indian universities currently operating in Uzbekistan.
The parties placed particular emphasis on strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, highlighting the important role of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Indology in this regard.
They also noted the growing popularity of yoga in Uzbekistan and the active development of cooperation in this field.
The leaders emphasized the historic significance of the current visit, which marks the elevation of relations between Uzbekistan and India to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
They noted that this opens a new chapter in Uzbek-Indian relations and creates a solid foundation for further expanding practical cooperation across all priority areas.
The sides agreed to intensify political contacts and exchanges at all levels, including through parliamentary friendship groups, the Intergovernmental Commission, and the Business Council.
To ensure effective coordination of bilateral cooperation, the leaders agreed to establish a coordination mechanism at the level of foreign ministers.
Particular attention was given to expanding industrial cooperation and implementing new joint projects. The leaders highlighted promising opportunities for cooperation with leading Indian companies in energy, electrical engineering, metallurgy, critical minerals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and the jewelry industry.
The two sides also focused on developing interregional cooperation, noting the establishment of close partnership ties between Andijan region and the state of Gujarat, Fergana region and the state of Haryana, as well as Samarkand region and Agra.
The leaders also discussed ways to further expand cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They agreed to regularly hold Days of Culture, concerts, exhibitions, forums, and film festivals.
A five-year Cultural Exchange Program is expected to be signed as part of the visit.
The parties also exchanged views on current international and regional issues.
They expressed satisfaction with the effective cooperation within international organizations and emphasized the importance of continuing mutual support for initiatives within the UN, SCO, BRICS, and other multilateral frameworks.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the leaders instructed the heads of relevant ministries and agencies to actively advance joint projects and programs.
For each priority area, dedicated roadmaps will be adopted, setting out specific implementation mechanisms, responsible agencies, and deadlines.
Long term, Comprehensive India-Central Asia Partnership-Delhi Declaration of 1st India-CAR Summit
Following the high-level talks, a ceremony for the signing of bilateral documents was held in the presence of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The documents are aimed at the further development and deepening of cooperation in trade, economic, investment, cultural, humanitarian, and other spheres.
These include:
– Joint Statement on the outcomes of the visit of Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi to the Republic of Uzbekistan;
– Program of Cultural Exchanges between the Governments of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of India for 2026–2030;
– Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in Ayurveda and other systems of traditional medicine;
– Agreement on cooperation in higher education and scientific research;
– Agreement on cooperation in environmental protection;
– Protocol on conducting archaeological research at Fayoztepa and Karatepa;
– Memorandum of Understanding on economic and financial dialogue;
– Program of cooperation in the sphere of tourism for 2026–2028;
– Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in geology and mineral resources;
– Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in archival affairs;
– Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service;
– Agreement on establishing partnership relations between Samarkand region and the State of Gujarat.
It was noted that India’s rapid development in recent years and its growing international standing are directly linked to the effective leadership of the country’s Prime Minister. Thanks to the successful implementation of programs and strategies, modern India is achieving significant accomplishments across all spheres.
Presenting the high state award, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that the decision is an expression of the deep respect of the state and people of Uzbekistan for the invaluable contribution of the Prime Minister of India to strengthening the centuries-old bonds of friendship between the two peoples.
As a result of this historic visit and the productive negotiations, an agreement was reached to elevate relations between the two friendly countries to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
It was noted with satisfaction that, thanks to joint efforts, relations in the political and diplomatic, trade and economic, investment, transport, cultural and humanitarian spheres have reached a qualitatively new level.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the award will contribute to the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation between the peoples of Uzbekistan and India.
“I am convinced that, thanks to our shared aspirations and efforts, our multifaceted and long-term relations will continue to develop dynamically,” the President said.
