India, Uzbekistan agree to deepen ties in trade, defence, energy and digital connectivity

India and Uzbekistan on Sunday agreed to strengthen cooperation across trade and investment, defence, energy and digital connectivity as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent.

Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30 at Mirziyoyev’s invitation, received a ceremonial welcome before the talks. The two leaders reviewed the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and discussed ways to deepen bilateral engagement while advancing their respective developmental visions of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’.

The discussions covered a wide range of areas, with the two sides looking to expand economic engagement and strengthen cooperation in strategically important sectors. Modi had earlier said that the partnership between the two countries had made significant progress in recent years and that India was keen to build on the momentum.

Yoga strengthens people-to-people ties

Modi also attended a yoga session hosted by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan on Sunday, highlighting the growing cultural engagement between the two countries. The Ministry of External Affairs said yoga had gained significant popularity in Uzbekistan and was helping bring the people and cultures of the two countries closer.

Modi noted that Uzbekistan had participated in the first World Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad earlier this year. Some of the Uzbek medal winners from the championship were also present at the session in Tashkent.

Cultural welcome for Modi

The Prime Minister arrived in Tashkent on Saturday, where Mirziyoyev personally welcomed him at the airport. This is Modi’s fourth visit to the Central Asian country. Following his arrival, Modi visited Yangi Uzbekistan Park with the Uzbek president and laid a wreath at the Independence Monument.

He later interacted with members of the Indian community in Tashkent and watched cultural performances reflecting traditions from both countries. These included Kathak and Andijan Polka performances, while Uzbek children performed to the Indian song “Ude Jab Jab Zulfe Teri”. Modi also witnessed a fusion performance combining the tabla with traditional Uzbek instruments Doira and Chang.

SCO Summit next

After completing his Uzbekistan visit, Modi is scheduled to travel to Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit on August 31 and September 1 at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The meeting will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the SCO. Modi is expected to address the gathering and outline India’s priorities under the themes of “Security, Connectivity and Opportunity”.

He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of SCO member countries on the sidelines of the summit and attend the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games.