New Delhi, 30 August (H.S.): India and Uzbekistan have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade fivefold to $5 billion by 2030.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Sunday. Following the discussions, Modi said in a joint statement that bilateral trade between the two countries has already crossed $1 billion and that both sides are now aiming to raise it to $5 billion by 2030.

To achieve the target, the two countries will focus on improving market access, connectivity, banking arrangements and payment mechanisms.

Modi said the year marks the 15th anniversary of the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership. Describing the occasion as special, he said the two sides had decided to give their relationship the status of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and had prepared an ambitious agenda aimed at achieving faster progress and tangible outcomes under its new framework.

The Prime Minister said future cooperation would focus on strengthening direct engagement between defence industries, as well as promoting joint production and joint development. India and Uzbekistan will also maintain zero tolerance towards terrorism, extremism and separatism, he said.

Modi highlighted several emerging areas of cooperation, including digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, clean energy, space and nuclear energy. He said collaboration in these sectors would help make the bilateral partnership future-ready. Cooperation in infrastructure development will also be expanded.

The Prime Minister said India and Uzbekistan would combine Uzbekistan’s expertise in horticulture with India’s modern agricultural practices to contribute to food security. The two sides will also promote cooperation in medicinal herbs and Ayurveda.

Highlighting the deep historical and cultural links between the two countries, Modi said special attention would be given to preserving Uzbekistan’s Buddhist heritage sites, promoting student and professional exchanges, and strengthening tourism ties. Scholarships will also be provided to promote the Hindi language in Uzbekistan.

Modi also underlined the importance of cooperation in sports, including chess. He said traditional sports such as Kurash and kabaddi could provide fresh momentum to relations between India and Uzbekistan.

The Prime Minister said a strong India-Uzbekistan partnership would serve as an important force for peace, progress and prosperity in Central Asia. He also conveyed his greetings to the people of Uzbekistan on the country’s 35th anniversary of independence.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar