India, Uzbekistan Elevate Ties, Set $5 Billion Trade Target by 2030

India and Uzbekistan have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on Sunday.

The two leaders reviewed the full scope of ties and set a target of $5 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Discussions covered trade and investment, infrastructure, critical minerals, mining, defence and security, innovation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, health, information technology, digital public infrastructure (including UPI), and education.

A key outcome was the decision to establish a long-term framework for the supply of uranium from Uzbekistan to India, which New Delhi seeks for civilian nuclear energy production. The leaders also agreed to create a Coordination Council at the foreign ministers' level and elevate the existing joint commission from secretary-level to ministerial-level.

Several memoranda of understanding were exchanged, covering mining, culture, education, tourism, and ayurveda. A Letter of Intent was also agreed for the restoration and conservation of the Buddhist sites of Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa in Uzbekistan.

Modi arrived in Tashkent on Saturday for a two-day visit, marking his fourth trip to Uzbekistan. He was received at the airport by President Mirziyoyev, and the two leaders also visited the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument and attended a yoga event.

Modi's visit comes ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, where he is scheduled to participate from August 31 to September 1.