Joint Statement during the State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Uzbekistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to Uzbekistan from 29-30 August 2026 marks a significant milestone in India's 'Extended Neighbourhood' policy and its deepening engagement with Central Asia. This visit, at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, elevated bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting the maturation of ties that have historical roots dating back to the ancient Silk Road when Indian merchants and Buddhist monks traversed through Uzbek cities like Samarkand and Bukhara. The historical and cultural affinities were explicitly acknowledged by both leaders, providing a civilizational foundation for modern cooperation. The strategic significance of this partnership cannot be overstated. Uzbekistan, as a doubly landlocked country at the heart of Central Asia, serves as India's gateway to the region. For India, this relationship is crucial for multiple reasons: energy security through uranium supplies (Uzbekistan is among the world's top uranium producers), access to critical minerals essential for green energy transition, counter-terrorism cooperation given shared concerns about instability emanating from Afghanistan, and connectivity projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar Port route that bypass Pakistan. The Joint Statement's explicit condemnation of cross-border terrorism and zero-tolerance approach aligns with India's long-standing position and reflects convergence on security threats. The defence cooperation pillar is particularly noteworthy. The Dustlik joint military exercise, with its latest edition in Namangan Region in April 2026, demonstrates growing interoperability. The Joint Working Group on Military Cooperation exploring defence industrial collaboration signals a shift from buyer-seller to co-development partnerships, resonating with India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' initiatives. The establishment of a Foreign Ministers-led mechanism for oversight ensures institutional continuity and accountability in implementing agreements. Economically, the direction to explore a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) on a time-bound basis after the Joint Feasibility Study conclusion could be transformative. Current bilateral trade, while growing, remains below potential. The focus on pharmaceuticals, electrical items, engineering products, and automobiles leverages India's manufacturing strengths. The digital technology cooperation, anchored by the STPI-supported IT Park in Tashkent (established 2019), positions India as a partner in Uzbekistan's digital transformation. Constitutionally, Article 246 read with Seventh Schedule (Union List entries 10, 14, 53) empowers the Union Government to conduct foreign affairs and enter into international agreements. Article 253 enables Parliament to make laws for implementing international treaties. The proposed PTA would require parliamentary ratification. The emphasis on rules-based international order and WTO reform reflects India's commitment to multilateralism under Article 51(c) of the Directive Principles. Future implications include potential Indian investments in Uzbekistan's mining sector (especially critical minerals like rare earths, lithium), joint nuclear energy projects for peaceful uses, and enhanced connectivity through the Trans-Afghan Corridor. The parliamentary diplomacy track and people-to-people exchanges will deepen societal bonds. For UPSC aspirants, this visit encapsulates key themes: India-Central Asia relations, Connect Central Asia Policy, Act East/West convergence, critical minerals diplomacy, and the evolving architecture of India's strategic partnerships in a multipolar world.