India and Uzbekistan have agreed to expand their strategic partnership by strengthening cooperation in critical minerals, mining, trade, energy, infrastructure, defence and education during high-level talks held in New Delhi on Monday.
The discussions took place during the four-day official visit of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, who met External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
Welcoming the visiting delegation, EAM Jaishankar described Uzbekistan as an important part of India’s “extended neighbourhood” and highlighted the long-standing historical, cultural and civilisational ties between the two countries. He said bilateral relations have steadily expanded over the years and now cover a wide range of sectors, including construction, digital technology, energy, healthcare and education.
The External Affairs Minister said both countries are now looking to broaden cooperation into the mining sector, particularly critical minerals and rare earth resources. Referring to bilateral trade of nearly one billion US dollars, he expressed confidence that economic exchanges would increase significantly in the coming years.
EAM Jaishankar said the two sides conducted a comprehensive review of their strategic partnership with particular focus on energy, infrastructure, trade, defence, education and culture. They also discussed regional developments and explored ways to strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums.
On foreign policy issues, EAM Jaishankar noted that India and Uzbekistan share similar perspectives on terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking. He appreciated Uzbekistan’s firm stand against terrorism, stating that both countries have consistently maintained a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and terror sanctuaries.
The Minister also thanked Uzbekistan for supporting India’s initiatives during its BRICS Presidency in 2026 and conveyed New Delhi’s support for Uzbekistan’s candidature to chair the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for the 2027-2029 period.
Earlier in the day, Saidov called on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. During the meeting, President Murmu underscored the deep historical links between the two nations and stressed that the current visit offers an opportunity to identify new areas of cooperation and further strengthen bilateral ties.
She highlighted the significant potential for collaboration in mining, particularly rare earth minerals, as well as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and information technology. The President also praised the strong educational and professional exchanges between the two countries, noting that more than 3,000 Uzbek officials, professionals and students have benefited from India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and scholarship schemes. She added that over 16,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan.
Saidov’s visit also featured an India-Uzbekistan Business Forum aimed at boosting commercial engagement and encouraging greater investment between the two countries.
(With agency inputs)
