India And Uzbekistan Focus On Environmental Sustainability With Tree Planting Ceremony In Tashkent

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a yoga session organized by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. During the event, Prime Minister Modi walked around the venue, interacted with participants as they performed yoga, and posed for a video with them. Expressing his appreciation, Prime Minister Modi praised the participants of all age groups for their performance and extended his gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for connecting the country with yoga.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Uzbekistan's highest state honor, the Order of Oliy Darajali Dustlik, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his state visit to Tashkent. PM Modi dedicated the award to the enduring friendship between India and Uzbekistan. The Prime Minister held delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev, reviewing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defense, and energy. PM Modi also participated in a yoga session organized by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan, received a ceremonial welcome at the presidential palace, and attended an Indian diaspora event where local children performed a Bollywood dance.

India and Uzbekistan have decided to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following high-level bilateral discussions. The key areas of cooperation highlighted during the talks include trade and investment, connectivity projects, critical minerals, and a crucial uranium pact aimed at securing long-term energy and mineral supply. Both nations also agreed to strengthen ties in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education, language projects, and sports development, drawing inspiration from recent sporting achievements and cultural exchanges like yoga diplomacy. Furthermore, three sister-city agreements were discussed alongside plans to foster people-to-people connections. To ensure effective coordination and time-bound execution of all agreed initiatives, both countries have established a joint working group headed by their respective foreign ministers. This expanded partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing defense, security, economic, and cultural cooperation between both nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a joint media briefing during his fourth official visit to Uzbekistan, marking the 15th anniversary of the bilateral strategic partnership. PM Modi announced that India and Uzbekistan have elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and set an ambitious target of $5 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, up from $1 billion. Key areas of collaboration include digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, space, nuclear energy, agriculture, healthcare, and defense manufacturing. Highlighted mutual priorities included defense co-production, joint efforts in preserving Uzbekistan's Buddhist heritage, youth exchange programs, and sports cooperation, including upcoming chess events featuring top talents from both nations. PM Modi reaffirmed a shared commitment to zero tolerance against terrorism, extremism, and separatism across the region, while also extending congratulations to the citizens of Uzbekistan on their upcoming 35th Independence Day.