India, Uzbekistan Commit to Stronger Ties in Trade, Defence, Energy and Digital Connectivity

TASHKENT, Aug 30: India and Uzbekistan on Sunday agreed to expand cooperation across trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation level discussions with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent.

Modi is on a two day state visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30 at the invitation of Mirziyoyev. The visit marks his fourth trip to the Central Asian nation and comes as both countries seek to give fresh momentum to their bilateral relationship.

The two leaders held talks on ways to strengthen the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership while advancing their respective development agendas of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’.

According to the Indian side, the discussions covered several priority areas, including trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy. The talks are aimed at identifying opportunities for greater economic engagement and closer cooperation in sectors of mutual interest.

Modi had earlier highlighted the progress made in bilateral relations in recent years and said he looked forward to further expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan.

The prime minister also participated in a yoga session hosted by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan during his visit.

The Ministry of External Affairs said yoga has gained considerable popularity in Uzbekistan and is helping bring the people of the two countries closer.

“Yoga has immense appeal in Uzbekistan. It is bringing people and cultures together and strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan,” the ministry said in a post on X.

Following the session, Modi noted Uzbekistan’s participation in the inaugural World Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad earlier this year. He also interacted with participants and medal winners who attended the event.

Modi arrived in Tashkent on Saturday and was received by Mirziyoyev at the airport. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome before beginning his official engagements.

During his first day in the country, Modi visited Yangi Uzbekistan Park and laid a wreath at the Independence Monument along with the Uzbek president.

The prime minister also met members of the Indian community at a hotel in Tashkent. The programme featured cultural performances reflecting the close people-to-people links between India and Uzbekistan.

Members of the diaspora presented Kathak and Andijan Polka performances, while Uzbek children performed to the popular Indian song “Ude Jab Jab Zulfe Teri”.

A fusion musical performance featuring tabla alongside traditional Uzbek instruments Doira and Chang was also presented during the event.

The cultural programme highlighted the growing role of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations beyond government-to-government engagement.

Following his Uzbekistan visit, Modi is scheduled to travel to Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on August 31 and September 1 at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The summit will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the SCO and is expected to bring together leaders from member countries to discuss regional and international issues.

Modi will address the summit and outline India’s priorities under the themes of “Security, Connectivity and Opportunity”.

He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with other SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

During his Kyrgyzstan visit, the prime minister will further engage with regional leaders on issues of strategic, economic and connectivity importance.

He will also attend the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games, adding a cultural dimension to his Central Asia engagements.