New Delhi: India and Uzbekistan have officially agreed to enhance its cooperation in multiple critical areas, such as trade and investment, defence, energy, digital connectivity, and much more. This will going to follows the two-day visit of PM Narendra Modi to Uzbekistan and by holding talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the city of Tashkent.
These two discussed the developments of India-Uzbekistan relations and ways to further deepen cooperation. Both the sides also agreed to take their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, giving a new direction to their long-term ties.
One of the main topics of discussion in the talks was trade and investment. India and Uzbekistan wish to boost business ties and facilitate companies to enter into each other’s markets. The two have also agreed to reach bilateral trade of above $5 billion by 2030.
Digital technology was another major area of focus. The countries committed to further cooperation in fields like space technology, artificial intelligence, information technology and cybersecurity. In addition, they spoke about digital platforms that will facilitate the flow of business and make all trade procedures easier and quicker for small and medium businesses.
Energy and critical minerals will also be significant components of the partnership. India and Uzbekistan also reached an agreement to strengthen their cooperation in geology and mineral resources, which also covers geology related to critical minerals. These may contribute to enhancing access to crucial resources required in the development of modern industries and clean energy technologies for both countries.
Defence and security cooperation were also discussed by the two leaders. Both nations wish to continue regular dialogue and further develop the institutional level engagement to deal with the mutual security concerns.
The collaboration will also include healthcare, medicine and drugs, agriculture, education, traditional medicine and cultural exchange. India and Uzbekistan have signed various agreements in various sectors including higher education, scientific research, Ayurveda, environmental protection, tourism and cultural cooperation.
A new agreement will also enable Indian UPI applications to tap into Uzbekistan’s national UZQR system for merchant payments, making digital payments easier for the Indian tourists and businesses in the country.
The visit is considered as a significant move in the efforts to improve India’s ties with the region of Central Asia. Trade, technology, energy and security cooperation are increasing, and India and Uzbekistan are intending to forge a deeper partnership to boost economic growth and further strengthen the people-to-people ties.
