New Delhi: India and Uzbekistan have agreed to establish a long term arrangement for uranium supplies, marking a significant development in their growing strategic partnership and supporting India’s expanding nuclear energy programme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the agreement after holding talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his visit to Tashkent. The uranium arrangement emerged as one of the key outcomes of the discussions, adding a major energy component to the countries’ expanding bilateral cooperation.
The two nations are also working towards finalising three sister city and sister state agreements. Modi stressed the need for clear implementation plans so that these partnerships produce concrete results rather than remaining limited to formal agreements.
Urban development was another focus of the discussions. Uzbekistan is developing New Tashkent, a major new city project, and Modi highlighted Gujarat’s GIFT City as a potential model for areas such as planning, technology and infrastructure. India has also offered to host an Uzbek delegation to study the project.
Economic ties have also gained momentum, with bilateral trade crossing the $1 billion mark for the first time last year. The number of joint ventures between Indian and Uzbek companies has increased substantially in recent years, while connectivity has improved with 14 direct flights operating between the two countries each week.
People to people relations were another important area of cooperation. Cultural institutions such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Indian Studies have contributed to stronger cultural links. Yoga has also become increasingly popular in Uzbekistan.
In a major boost for tourism and business, Uzbekistan is set to allow Indian citizens to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The move is expected to encourage tourism, trade and greater interaction between citizens of both countries.
The latest agreements reflect the widening scope of India Uzbekistan relations, covering nuclear energy, investment, technology, connectivity, culture and tourism. Modi’s visit concluded on August 30 before his departure for Bishkek to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
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