India and Uzbekistan have upgraded bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while agreeing to establish a long-term arrangement for uranium supplies from Uzbekistan to India as part of expanded cooperation in civil nuclear energy.
The decisions followed a summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, as India looks to deepen its engagement with Central Asia. The two countries also exchanged several agreements spanning mining, culture, education, tourism and Ayurveda.
Cooperation Expands Across Strategic Sectors
India and Uzbekistan agreed to strengthen political dialogue and broaden cooperation across trade, economic relations and investment, transport connectivity, energy transition, critical minerals, food security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and education.
Digital cooperation will also be expanded across information technology, artificial intelligence, space and cybersecurity. The two sides will deepen collaboration in outer-space exploration and its peaceful applications.
A Coordination Council at the foreign-minister level will be established to guide different aspects of bilateral cooperation. The existing joint commission between the two countries will also be upgraded from the secretary level to the ministerial level.
Uzbekistan To Supply Uranium To India
Uzbekistan has previously supplied uranium to India and has around 139,000 tonnes of identified uranium reserves. It ranks roughly 10th globally in total uranium reserves and fifth in annual uranium production.
The new long-term uranium arrangement adds to the countries' civil nuclear energy cooperation and comes as India expands its nuclear power ambitions and seeks reliable sources of nuclear fuel.
Trade Target Set At $5 Billion By 2030
India and Uzbekistan have set a target of increasing annual bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030, seeking to tap the remaining potential in commercial ties.
A Joint Working Group will be created to address non-tariff issues and investment barriers, with particular attention to major sectors of bilateral trade. The two countries will also jointly organise a business summit bringing together business leaders from India and Uzbekistan.
The partnership will additionally build on cooperation through multilateral platforms, with both countries committing to long-term collaboration aimed at generating mutual economic and strategic benefits.
Zero-Tolerance Approach To Terrorism
India and Uzbekistan also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. Both sides reiterated a zero-tolerance approach and rejected justification of terrorism on any grounds.
During the visit, Modi was conferred the Oliy Darajali Do'stlik Order, or Order of Highest Friendship, by the President of Uzbekistan. It is Uzbekistan's highest honour for foreign leaders.