New Delhi: India and Uzbekistan have elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a major step in defence and security cooperation. The India-Uzbekistan defence partnership was strengthened during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State Visit to Uzbekistan, where both countries agreed to expand collaboration in defence, counter-terrorism, trade, connectivity, and strategic sectors.
The decision reflects the growing trust between New Delhi and Tashkent and highlights their shared commitment to regional stability, security, and economic growth. Official statements from both sides emphasized deeper institutional cooperation and long-term strategic engagement.
Details of India-Uzbekistan Defence Partnership
The two nations formally elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
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This new framework expands cooperation beyond traditional diplomacy and covers defence, trade, energy, critical minerals, digital transformation, transport connectivity, healthcare, education, and cybersecurity.
Why The Upgrade Matters
A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership represents one of the highest levels of bilateral engagement between countries. It creates stronger mechanisms for policy coordination, institutional dialogue, and long-term cooperation in strategic sectors.
India-Uzbekistan Defence Partnership Gets Major Push
India and Uzbekistan welcomed the progress made under the Joint Working Group on Military Cooperation. Both countries agreed to strengthen defence exchanges, institutional cooperation, capacity building, and defence-industrial collaboration.
Success Of Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK
The leaders appreciated the successful conduct of the Uzbekistan-India Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK. The latest edition of the exercise was held in Namangan, Uzbekistan, in April 2026 and involved personnel from both countries. The exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations, tactical drills, land navigation, and joint missions.
Defence Industry Cooperation
Both nations agreed to promote direct linkages between their defence industries. They will explore co-production, co-development, and technology cooperation to strengthen defence manufacturing capabilities and improve strategic self-reliance.
India-Uzbekistan Defence Partnership: Strong Message Against Terrorism
India and Uzbekistan strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The joint statement rejected any justification for terrorism and called for coordinated international action against terrorist groups, their financing networks, and support structures.
India-Uzbekistan Defence Partnership Against Emerging Threats
The two countries also agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and cooperation against organized crime, cyber threats, extremism, and illicit drug trafficking. The Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism will continue to coordinate efforts in these areas.
Growing Economic And Strategic Partnership
India and Uzbekistan have set an ambitious goal of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030. Both sides agreed to improve business connectivity, remove trade barriers, and encourage investments across key sectors.
Cooperation In Critical Minerals And Energy
The partnership also focuses on long-term cooperation in uranium supply, critical minerals, energy security, and industrial development. These sectors are becoming increasingly important for India’s future economic and energy needs.
Enhanced Regional Connectivity
The leaders emphasized improving regional transport links and connectivity initiatives. Better connectivity between India and Central Asia is expected to boost trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
Importance For Central Asia
Uzbekistan remains one of India’s key partners in Central Asia. The upgraded relationship supports India’s broader strategy of strengthening engagement with the region through economic, security, and diplomatic cooperation.
Future Roadmap For India-Uzbekistan Defence Partnership
Both countries agreed to maintain regular dialogue at leadership and institutional levels. They also decided to modernize existing agreements, encourage parliamentary exchanges, and strengthen legal frameworks supporting bilateral cooperation.
The partnership is expected to create new opportunities in defence, technology, trade, education, and regional security over the coming years.
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FAQs
DUSTLIK is a joint military exercise conducted by India and Uzbekistan that focuses on counter-terrorism operations, tactical training, and interoperability between armed forces.
It is an upgraded bilateral framework that expands cooperation in defence, trade, energy, connectivity, security, technology, and regional affairs.
Both countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030 through greater economic cooperation and investment.
