In this photo released by Uzbekistan’s Presidential Press Office, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, right, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose for a photo during their meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (Uzbekistan’s Presidential Press Office via AP)

NEW DELHI: India and Uzbekistan have elevated their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the ministry of external affairs said while briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan.MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said the two countries have also set a target of $5 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, with both sides seeking to deepen economic cooperation.“Both sides also set a target of bilateral trade of five billion dollars by 2030 that is in the next three years. Another important development is the UPI roll out for Uzbekistan. It adds the global expansion of Indian Digital Infrastructure, which helps further digital transactions between our two countries,” he said.UPI rollout, critical minerals cooperation among key outcomesHighlighting key developments, George said the rollout of UPI in Uzbekistan would contribute to the global expansion of India’s digital public infrastructure and facilitate digital transactions between the two countries.

The two sides also signed an MoU on mining, which will support cooperation in critical minerals, including uranium supply, he said.Infrastructure development was identified as another important area of cooperation, with George noting that several Indian companies are already expanding their presence in Uzbekistan.“The level of bilateral ties between the two countries has been raised to a comprehensive strategic partnership,” George said at the special briefing.