India, Uzbekistan deepen strategic partnership with focus on agriculture, food security and trade

New Delhi: India and Uzbekistan have agreed to deepen cooperation across agriculture, food security, trade, technology, critical minerals and other key sectors as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his state visit to Uzbekistan.

Prime Minister Modi visited Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30 at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the visit, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and identified priority areas for expanding practical cooperation. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to taking India-Uzbekistan ties towards a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Agriculture emerged as an important area of cooperation in the joint statement.

India and Uzbekistan agreed to work together on developing agricultural value chains, strengthening export capabilities and improving technical capacity in the agriculture and livestock sectors.

The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in agriculture and food security, with emphasis on innovation and resource-efficient technologies. They agreed to continue exchanges in agricultural science and promote modern and sustainable agriculture through regional and multilateral platforms.

Both sides also agreed to facilitate bilateral trade in agricultural products, creating scope for wider market opportunities for farm and food products from the two countries.

The leaders supported greater cooperation between research institutions and enterprises to improve agricultural productivity.

The partnership will also cover the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, bringing research, technology and commercial capabilities closer together.

Beyond agriculture, India and Uzbekistan agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, transport connectivity, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, space, energy transition, critical minerals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and education.

The two countries also agreed to explore measures to diversify bilateral trade, address non-tariff barriers and strengthen industrial cooperation.

Cooperation in critical minerals will include geological exploration, mining, mineral processing and the development of integrated value chains.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems, including through exchanges of experience and best practices.

The leaders also welcomed the expansion of partnerships between technology parks, companies, startups and educational institutions in both countries.

India and Uzbekistan also expressed a shared interest in environmental cooperation. The two countries will work together on greening and ecological rehabilitation of the Aral Sea region, with India providing support under its Grant-in-Aid framework.

The latest agreements mark a broader effort to strengthen India-Uzbekistan economic and strategic ties, with agriculture, food security and technology emerging as important areas for future cooperation.