Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan has resulted in a significant upgrade in India-Uzbekistan relations, with the two countries deciding to elevate their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During his state visit to Tashkent from August 29 to 30, 2026, PM Modi held delegation-level talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev covering defence, security, trade, investment, energy, digital technology, transport connectivity and other strategic areas.
A major outcome of the visit was the decision to expand cooperation in the defence and security domain. India and Uzbekistan welcomed the growing coordination between their defence agencies through institutional exchanges, capacity-building and joint activities. The two sides also expressed satisfaction with the work of the Joint Working Group on Military Cooperation, which is exploring new opportunities in defence industrial cooperation. Both leaders welcomed the successful Dustlik joint military exercise, the latest edition of which was conducted in Uzbekistan’s Namangan Region in April 2026.
Energy security also emerged as an important component of the visit. India and Uzbekistan agreed to establish a long-term arrangement for uranium supplies, while also expressing interest in expanding cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy, geology, mining and critical and strategic minerals. The two countries are looking at greater participation by Indian companies in Uzbekistan’s mineral sector and opportunities for joint value-chain development.
The partnership is also being expanded in economic and technological areas. Both sides agreed to work toward increasing bilateral trade to more than $5 billion by 2030, while exploring opportunities in sectors including engineering, automobiles, electrical products and pharmaceuticals. Cooperation in digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and space applications is also set to receive greater attention.
Connectivity is another priority. India and Uzbekistan reaffirmed their intention to improve transport and logistics links through multimodal routes and logistics corridors, while working to facilitate smoother movement of goods and reduce transportation costs. The two countries also signed or advanced agreements covering areas such as geology and mineral resources, higher education, traditional medicine, culture and tourism.
In a further symbolic gesture highlighting the importance of the relationship, President Mirziyoyev conferred Uzbekistan’s highest state honour, the Order of Oliy Darajali Dustlik, on PM Modi on August 30. The Uzbek presidency said the award recognised Modi’s contribution to strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
The visit comes at a time when India is seeking to deepen its engagement with Central Asia through stronger economic, security and strategic partnerships. Following his Uzbekistan visit, PM Modi is travelling to Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit from August 31 to September 1, 2026