Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Uzbekistan Positioned as Gateway for Indian Business in Central Asia
India and Uzbekistan are trying to work more closely together.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri said Uzbekistan could become an important business gateway to Central Asia for Indian companies.
The two countries want to grow their trade to more than US$5 billion by 2030.
Easier travel between them could help people visit for business, tourism and investment.
They may cooperate on minerals, uranium, energy, medicine, farming and technology.
Indian companies could share skills and technology, while Uzbekistan could provide resources.
The countries are also discussing long-term uranium supplies and linking India’s UPI with Uzbekistan’s UZQR payment system.
Uzbekistan’s top foreign-leader honour for Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented as another sign of warm relations.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri said India-Uzbekistan ties have entered a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership phase.
The countries aim to increase bilateral trade to more than US$5 billion by 2030.
A proposed 30-day visa-free regime could support business travel, tourism, trade delegations and investment.
Potential cooperation areas include critical minerals, uranium, energy, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture and digital technology.
Uzbekistan awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi its Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, described as the country’s highest honour for foreign leaders.
- Who
- Dr. Vijay Kalantri, India, Uzbekistan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are central to the statement.
- What
- India-Uzbekistan economic and strategic cooperation is being described as expanding, with a goal of raising bilateral trade above US$5 billion by 2030.
- When
- The target is set for 2030; the statement does not specify when the other developments will occur.
- Where
- The cooperation concerns India, Uzbekistan and broader Central Asia.
- Why
- The proposed measures and cooperation areas are intended to increase business travel, trade, investment, resource access and strategic ties.
- Trade target
- India and Uzbekistan aim to take bilateral trade above US$5 billion by 2030.
- Travel proposal
- A proposed 30-day visa-free regime between India and Uzbekistan could ease movement of people.
- Potential sectors
- Critical minerals, uranium, energy security, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, digital technology and manufacturing.
- Payment systems
- The statement identifies integration of India’s UPI with Uzbekistan’s UZQR system as a potential cooperation area.
- Uzbek honour
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, described as Uzbekistan’s highest honour for foreign leaders.
- Regional engagement
- The statement references Modi’s engagements in Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic and India’s participation in the SCO.