India, Uzbekistan step up mining cooperation, eye critical minerals

India and Uzbekistan have agreed to deepen cooperation in the mining sector, including geological resources and uranium, with discussions also focusing on ways to quickly implement a newly agreed memorandum of understanding and explore opportunities in critical minerals.

Speaking at a press conference, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said an MoU on cooperation in mining and geological resources with Uzbekistan was agreed during the visit, adding that both sides were also discussing cooperation through a commission mechanism for the mining sector.

“There were discussions on exchange of delegations to implement the MoU immediately and take it forward,” George said, signalling an effort to move the agreement towards concrete projects and partnerships.


The two sides are also looking to expand cooperation in agriculture, including seed production, drip irrigation, horticulture and cultivation in saline conditions. India’s ICAR and Uzbekistan’s National Center for Knowledge and Innovation in Agriculture are cooperating in these areas, George said.

Also read: India-Uzbekistan ties go comprehensive as Modi, Mirziyoyev set $5 billion trade goal

Key outcomes from PM Modi's talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev:

• Elevation of India-Uzbekistan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• Boost trade to over $5 billion by 2030.
• Increase cooperation in infrastructure, DPI, AI, critical minerals, energy, space and more.
• Enhance market access, connectivity, banking and payments.
• Cooperate in agriculture and healthcare.
• Scale up working in traditional medicines.
• Encourage educational and cultural exchanges.
• Work together for the conservation of Uzbekistan’s Buddhist heritage sites.
• Have more youth exchange programmes.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Uzbekistan visit, George said, "Another important development is the UPI rollout for Uzbekistan. It adds to the global expansion of Indian digital infrastructure, which helps further digital transactions between our two countries. An MOU on mining was signed, which will support collaboration on critical minerals, including the uranium supply. Infrastructure development is another important area. Several Indian companies are already expanding their footprint in Uzbekistan..."

Uzbekistan introduces 30-day visa-free regime for Indians

Uzbekistan has introduced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev saying the move will make a significant contribution to strengthening people-to-people contacts, tourism and business exchanges between the two partner countries.

Mirziyoyev made the announcement during the delegation-level talks with PM Modi in Tashkent, as part of the latter's two-day State visit to Uzbekistan.

Highlighting the growing momentum in India-Uzbekistan relations, the Uzbek leader described India as a "reliable strategic partner" and pointed to rising bilateral trade, joint ventures and connectivity between the two countries.

"India is our reliable strategic partner. Last year, our bilateral trade exceeded USD 1 billion for the first time. In recent years, the number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold. There are now 14 direct flights between our countries every week," he said.

"The introduction of a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens will make a significant contribution to the development of people-to-people contacts, tourism, and business exchanges," Mirziyoyev added.