India and Uzbekistan have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting a target of raising trade to $5 billion by 2030 and agreeing to deepen cooperation across security, connectivity, technology, energy and development.
The decision followed talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent during the Prime Minister’s State Visit on August 29 and 30. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and regional and international issues, marking a substantial outcome beyond the opening engagements of the visit.
Bilateral trade has crossed $1 billion, and the new target is intended to be pursued through wider market access, improved connectivity and stronger banking and payment links. The two countries agreed to broaden the range of traded goods, address non-tariff barriers and encourage industrial cooperation.
A Joint Working Group will be established to deal with non-tariff issues and investment barriers in important sectors. The two sides also noted the completion of a joint feasibility study on a preferential trade agreement and directed the relevant ministries to explore the next steps within a defined timeframe.
The economic agenda covers healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, critical minerals, agriculture, digital transformation and resilient supply chains. India and Uzbekistan also plan to promote cooperation in e-commerce and digital trade procedures, including platforms that can help small and medium enterprises participate in bilateral commerce.
Security formed another important part of the talks. The two countries condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, in all its forms and reiterated a zero-tolerance position. The broader partnership is expected to expand exchanges on defence and security while supporting stability in Central and South Asia.
Connectivity remains central because Uzbekistan is landlocked and India’s trade with Central Asia depends on reliable multimodal routes. The two sides agreed to work on transport links and value chains, areas that will be essential if the new trade target is to be achieved.
The outcomes also include a Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026-30 and a $1 million Indian grant for afforestation in Uzbekistan. These initiatives add cultural and environmental components to a relationship that already includes development cooperation, education and people-to-people links.
President Mirziyoyev conferred the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, or Order of Highest Friendship, on Prime Minister Modi for his contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries. It is Uzbekistan’s highest honour for foreign leaders.
The visit took place as the two countries marked 15 years of their strategic partnership. Elevating the relationship gives the governments a wider framework for coordinating work across ministries and measuring progress against the commitments announced in Tashkent.
The immediate test will be implementation. Working groups, trade discussions and sector-specific cooperation will have to translate the political declaration into greater investment, easier market access and practical connectivity. The agreed trade target provides a measurable goal, while the expanded security and technology agenda gives the partnership a broader strategic direction.
