India and Uzbekistan have sealed a long-term uranium supply agreement for civilian nuclear energy as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks in Tashkent on Sunday, August 30. The two nations elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership on the 15th anniversary of their strategic partnership and set a target to double bilateral trade to $5 billion annually by 2030.
16 Key Pacts Signed Across Multiple Sectors
At least 16 key agreements were signed covering trade, investment, infrastructure, critical minerals, mining, defence, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, health, IT, UPI, and education. The joint statement did not disclose the proposed uranium supply volume or timeline. Current bilateral trade stands at over $1 billion, and both sides aim to reach $5 billion by 2030.
Foreign Ministers Council and Security Cooperation
A Foreign Ministers Coordination Council will be established to guide all aspects of bilateral cooperation. The joint commission will be upgraded from secretary to ministerial level. Both nations will organize a joint business conference with participation from business leaders. India and Uzbekistan committed to zero tolerance against terrorism, extremism, and separatism, which Modi described as serious threats to regional security.
Visa-Free Travel and UPI Payment System for Indians
Uzbekistan announced 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens, boosting tourism and business exchanges. Under digital cooperation, NPCI signed a commercial agreement with Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Center, allowing Indian travelers to scan and pay via UPI apps at Uzbek shops.
Cultural and Heritage Cooperation
Both nations agreed to conserve and restore ancient Buddhist sites Fayaz Tepe and Kara Tepe, key evidence of Buddhism’s spread through the Silk Road in Central Asia. Modi attended a special yoga session with 52 yoga practitioners in Tashkent, saying Uzbekistan loves yoga.
Modi Arrives in Kyrgyzstan for SCO Summit
After concluding his Uzbekistan visit, PM Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Kyrgyz Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliyev welcomed him at the airport with a traditional Kyrgyz dance performance. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the summit will bring together 10 member countries, 15 partner countries, and two observer countries to advance regional cooperation.
