India and Uzbekistan have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while setting an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion annually by 2030. The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on Sunday.
The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation across trade, investment, defence, security, infrastructure, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, digital technology, agriculture and education.
India and Uzbekistan also agreed to work towards a long-term arrangement for the supply of uranium to India. External Affairs Ministry Secretary (West) Sibi George said the discussions on the uranium supply were positive and that the two sides were moving closer to signing an agreement.
India currently trades more than $1 billion annually with Uzbekistan. Modi said both countries would work systematically to address issues related to market access, connectivity, banking and payment systems to achieve the $5 billion target by 2030.
The Prime Minister also announced plans to establish a coordination council led by the foreign ministers of the two countries. An existing joint commission will also be upgraded from the secretary level to the ministerial level to provide stronger direction to bilateral cooperation.
President Mirziyoyev described India as a “reliable strategic partner” and highlighted the growing economic relationship between the two countries. He said joint ventures had increased seven-fold and that there were now 14 direct flights between India and Uzbekistan every week.
The Uzbek president said the two sides would prepare sector-specific roadmaps to expand cooperation in energy, culture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, jewellery and agriculture. Uzbekistan has also introduced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens, which Mirziyoyev said would encourage tourism and business exchanges.
Defence and security were another important part of the talks. Modi said the two countries would promote direct links between their defence industries, including co-production and co-development. He stressed that terrorism, extremism and separatism remain serious challenges for the region and reaffirmed India's commitment to a policy of zero tolerance.
The two leaders witnessed the exchange of 11 agreements and understandings covering sectors including mining, culture, education and tourism. One agreement focuses on cooperation in mineral resources, including rare earth elements.
India also announced a $1 million grant for afforestation in the Aral Sea region. In another major development, NPCI International Payments Ltd signed an agreement with Uzbekistan's National Interbank Processing Centre to enable Indian UPI apps to scan national QR codes for merchant payments in Uzbekistan.
During the visit, Mirziyoyev also conferred Uzbekistan's highest honour for foreign leaders, the Order of Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik, on Modi. The Prime Minister dedicated the award to the people of India and said the two countries would continue working together for peace, prosperity and the interests of the Global South.
Reader Comments 0