New Delhi: India Uzbekistan partnership received a major boost as both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, defence, mining, energy, trade, education, and technology during high-level talks in New Delhi. The discussions took place during the official visit of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and highlighted the growing importance of Central Asia in India’s foreign policy.
The meetings involved India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, President Droupadi Murmu, and Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. Leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral ties and discussed new opportunities to expand cooperation across several strategic sectors.
Details of India Uzbekistan Partnership
One of the biggest outcomes of the talks was the decision to strengthen collaboration in rare earth minerals and mining. These minerals are essential for manufacturing electric vehicles, renewable energy equipment, electronics, and advanced defence technologies.
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Dr. S. Jaishankar said both countries already work together in construction, digital technology, healthcare, energy, and education. He added that India now wants to take this partnership further by increasing cooperation in the mining sector.
India Uzbekistan Partnership: Bilateral Trade Expected to Grow
Trade between India and Uzbekistan is currently valued at around $1 billion. Both governments expressed confidence that bilateral trade will increase significantly in the coming years.
The leaders also discussed improving investment opportunities and encouraging businesses from both countries to explore new sectors such as pharmaceuticals, information technology, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Strategic Partnership Covers Defence and Energy
Apart from mining, the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, energy, infrastructure, education, culture, and regional security. According to External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, the discussions also covered regional developments and ways to strengthen multilateral cooperation in Central Asia.
President Murmu Meets Uzbek Foreign Minister
During the visit, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Murmu welcomed stronger economic cooperation and highlighted the huge potential for collaboration in mining, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and agriculture. She also praised the long-standing educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
India Uzbekistan Partnership: Strong People-to-People Relations
India and Uzbekistan continue to strengthen educational ties through scholarship programmes and professional training. More than 3,000 Uzbek officials, professionals, and students have benefited from India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and scholarship programmes. At the same time, over 16,000 Indian students are pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan.
Parliamentary and Regional Cooperation
Both countries have established a parliamentary friendship group to strengthen political engagement. Leaders believe regular exchanges between lawmakers will further improve diplomatic and economic relations. India also reiterated its support for Uzbekistan’s bid to chair the Non-Aligned Movement (2027–2029) and appreciated Uzbekistan’s support for India’s efforts against terrorism and its hosting of the BRICS Summit.
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