Why in the News?

• PM Modi began a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan on August 29, 2026, before travelling to Bishkek for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India-Uzbekistan Relations (Background, Trade, Health & Education, Cultural Ties, etc.)
• News Summary (Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit to Uzbekistan)

India-Uzbekistan Relations

• India and Uzbekistan share historical links extending back to the Silk Road, which connected the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia. Cultural exchanges, trade and the movement of ideas have historically connected the two regions.
• Modern diplomatic relations were established after Uzbekistan became independent in 1991. Since then, bilateral ties have expanded from political engagement to cooperation in trade, investment, defence, healthcare, education, culture and technology.
• The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting the growing importance of Uzbekistan in India's engagement with Central Asia.

Economic and Trade Relations

• Economic engagement has expanded steadily, although there remains considerable scope for diversification.
• India is among Uzbekistan's top 10 trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching US$ 1.3 billion in 2025 (growth of 33.3% over the previous year).
• Uzbekistan’s exports to India stood at US$ 164.6 million (growth of 25.4%), while its imports from India reached US$ 1.15 billion.
• Indian investments in Uzbekistan are also close to US$1 billion, covering sectors such as:
  • Renewable energy, Construction, Pharmaceuticals, Mining, Information technology, Healthcare, Textiles, Agriculture, Engineering.
• The latest discussions are expected to focus on increasing trade and investment and strengthening business-to-business engagement.

Healthcare and Education

• Healthcare has emerged as an important area of cooperation. Nearly 14,000 Uzbek nationals visited India for medical treatment, making Uzbekistan the third-largest source country for medical tourism to India.
• Indian hospital groups also operate in Uzbekistan and conduct medical camps in areas such as cardiology, oncology and neurology.
• Education and skill development form another important pillar. More than 2,700 Uzbek nationals have received training through various programmes, while 426 candidates have benefited from ICCR scholarships.
• Four Indian universities are also present in Uzbekistan: Amity University in Tashkent, Sharda University in Andijan, Sambhram University in Jizzakh and Acharya University in Bukhara.

Cultural and People-to-People Relations

• The Indian diaspora in Uzbekistan numbers about 20,000 people, consisting mostly of Indian citizens, students, and professionals.
• The Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan, established in 2018, was supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), including through the deputation of an Indian yoga teacher.
• Uzbekistan became the first Central Asian country to conduct yoga certification examinations under India's Yoga Certification Board. So far, 528 Uzbeks have obtained yoga certifications. 

News Summary

• During the latest visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev are seeking to deepen cooperation across a broad range of sectors.
• The discussions are expected to cover trade and investment, critical minerals, healthcare, education, space, technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
• PM Modi described the visit as reflecting the depth and growing momentum of bilateral relations.
• It is his fourth visit to Uzbekistan and his second bilateral visit to the country.

Strategic Areas of Cooperation

• India's engagement with Uzbekistan has acquired greater importance because of the country's location in Central Asia and its relevance to India's interests in security, connectivity and energy.
• The two countries are expected to explore cooperation in critical minerals, alongside existing areas such as defence, energy and technology. For India, stronger engagement with Central Asia can also support efforts to diversify sources of energy and strategic resources.
• India's connectivity interests include projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), while regional security cooperation has acquired greater importance following developments in Afghanistan.

Multilateral Cooperation

• India and Uzbekistan cooperate through several multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, G20, BRICS and SCO.
• At the regional level, both countries participate in the India-Central Asia Summit and the India-Central Asia Dialogue. The first India-Central Asia Summit was held in 2022. Uzbekistan also participated in BRICS activities organised under India's 2026 chairship.

Conclusion

• India-Uzbekistan relations have evolved into a broad strategic partnership encompassing economic, security, technological, cultural and human connections.
• The latest engagement seeks to build on this foundation by expanding cooperation in emerging areas such as critical minerals, digital connectivity and space, while strengthening established partnerships in healthcare, education and culture.
• For India, Uzbekistan remains an important partner in advancing its wider Central Asia strategy.