India, Uzbekistan Agree on Long-Term Uranium Supply as PM Modi Concludes Tashkent Visit
India and Uzbekistan have agreed to establish a long-term arrangement for uranium supplies, giving a significant boost to cooperation between the two countries in the nuclear energy sector. The development was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on August 30.
The uranium agreement emerged as one of the key outcomes of Modi's visit to Uzbekistan. For India, securing dependable access to uranium is important for supporting its long-term nuclear power programme and strengthening the availability of fuel for civilian nuclear energy.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the proposed long-term uranium supply arrangement while outlining the major outcomes of his discussions with President Mirziyoyev. The agreement also adds a strategic energy dimension to India's expanding engagement with Uzbekistan.
Broader Partnership Takes Shape
The nuclear energy announcement came alongside several other initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral relations. India and Uzbekistan are working towards three sister-city and sister-state agreements, with both sides looking to establish clear implementation plans rather than allowing such partnerships to remain limited to formal commitments.
During the discussions, Modi stressed the importance of creating a roadmap that would translate these agreements into practical cooperation.
Urban development was another area discussed by the two leaders. Uzbekistan is developing New Tashkent, a major planned urban project, and Modi pointed to Gujarat's GIFT City as an example that could offer useful lessons in planning and technology.
India has offered to host a delegation from Uzbekistan to provide an opportunity to study the planning, technological systems and implementation experience associated with GIFT City.
Bilateral Trade Crosses $1 Billion
Economic ties between India and Uzbekistan have also been gaining momentum. President Mirziyoyev said bilateral trade crossed the $1 billion mark last year for the first time.
He also noted a substantial increase in joint ventures between the two countries, with their number rising sevenfold compared with a few years ago.
The figures indicate that the relationship is expanding beyond traditional diplomatic engagement. Trade and investment are becoming increasingly important components of India's partnership with Uzbekistan, alongside areas such as education, pharmaceuticals, information technology and culture.
The two countries' growing economic relationship also comes at a time when India is seeking stronger engagement with Central Asian nations.
More Direct Flights and Easier Travel
Connectivity between India and Uzbekistan has improved as well. According to President Mirziyoyev, the two countries currently have 14 direct flights every week.
The Uzbek government is also set to remove visa requirements for Indian citizens travelling to Uzbekistan for stays of up to 30 days. The move is expected to make travel between the two countries easier and could support tourism, business visits and wider people-to-people exchanges.
For Indian travellers, the proposed visa-free arrangement could make Uzbekistan more accessible as a destination, while businesses may benefit from fewer administrative hurdles for short visits.
Cultural Links Continue to Grow
Culture remains another important part of the relationship. President Mirziyoyev referred to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Indian Studies as institutions contributing to closer people-to-people ties.
Yoga has also become increasingly popular in Uzbekistan. The country established a national Yoga Federation in 2018 and hosted a yoga festival in June that drew participants from different parts of the region.
These cultural connections complement the expanding economic and strategic relationship between the two countries.
A Wider Central Asian Partnership
The uranium arrangement, increased trade, stronger connectivity and planned visa changes together point to a broader expansion of India-Uzbekistan relations.
India already works with Uzbekistan across several sectors, including investment, education, pharmaceuticals, IT and culture. The addition of nuclear energy cooperation and urban-development exchanges broadens the areas in which the two sides are seeking practical collaboration.
Modi's Uzbekistan visit concludes on August 30, following which he is scheduled to travel to Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
The long-term uranium supply arrangement stands out among the outcomes of the visit because of its potential relevance to India's nuclear energy requirements. At the same time, the parallel progress in trade, travel, cultural exchange and urban cooperation reflects a relationship that is increasingly extending across multiple sectors.
As India strengthens its engagement with Central Asia, Uzbekistan is emerging as an important partner, with both countries now looking to turn recent commitments into sustained cooperation and tangible results.
