India, Uzbekistan Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

India and Uzbekistan have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The discussions focused on expanding collaboration across a broad spectrum of areas, including trade and investment, critical minerals, defence and security, and digital public infrastructure. The two leaders also explored deepening cooperation on India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and other digital initiatives.

The upgrade in the partnership reflects the growing convergence of interests between the two nations in Central Asia, a region of strategic importance for both connectivity and regional stability. The talks signal a mutual intent to move beyond conventional diplomatic engagement toward more substantive, multi-sectoral cooperation.

While specific agreements were not detailed in the official readout, the decision to formalise the relationship at this level underscores the momentum in bilateral ties in recent years. Further announcements are expected as the two governments work on implementing the agreed framework.