A new stage in bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and India began following the state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to India on September 30–October 1, 2018. The talks resulted in the signing of 20 documents covering trade and investment, pharmaceuticals, tourism, agriculture, science and technology, healthcare, space cooperation and other areas. Agreements were also reached on establishing the Uzbekistan–India Business Council and developing direct cooperation between the regions of the two countries.
In January 2019, the President of Uzbekistan paid a working visit to India and attended the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit as a guest of honor. During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particular attention was paid to the practical implementation of the agreements reached during the 2018 state visit. In particular, the sides advanced projects in information technology, pharmaceuticals, education and infrastructure, and exchanged an agreement on long-term supplies of Uzbek uranium to India.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited Uzbekistan in June 2016 to attend the SCO Summit in Tashkent and in September 2022 to participate in the SCO Summit in Samarkand. In December 2020, a virtual summit was held between the President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of India, while in January 2022 the President of Uzbekistan took part in the first India–Central Asia Summit, held online.
In subsequent years, intensive high-level dialogue continued on international platforms. The President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of India held meetings on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, the BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 23, 2024, and the SCO Summit in Tianjin in September 2025.
Thus, Uzbekistan–India high-level dialogue has remained consistent and has developed both through reciprocal visits and within the SCO and BRICS frameworks. The relationship continues to be based on a strategic partnership covering trade and investment, industrial cooperation, pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, energy, transport, education, and cultural and humanitarian ties.
In addition, the India–Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation continues to operate, with its 14th meeting held on June 19, 2026.
The two sides have set a goal of doubling bilateral trade within three years and are working to eliminate non-tariff barriers, promote mutual recognition of standards, simplify certification and customs procedures, develop digital customs data exchange, and improve payment infrastructure.
A most-favored-nation regime is applied in trade between the two countries.
Between 2017 and 2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and India increased fourfold, from $324.9 million to $1.3 billion. Uzbekistan’s exports rose 4.9 times, from $33.8 million to $164.8 million, while imports from India increased almost fourfold, from $291.1 million to $1.15 billion.
India’s share in Uzbekistan’s foreign trade also increased over this period: in total trade turnover from 1.2% to 1.6%, in exports from 0.2% to 0.5%, and in imports from 2.2% to 2.4%.
In the structure of exports to India ($164.8 million), the largest share is accounted for by services (road transport, personal travel and insurance) – 37.5% ($61.7 million), followed by chemical products (radioactive chemical elements, fertilizers) – 33.3% ($54.8 million). Other major export categories include miscellaneous manufactured articles (jewelry) – 13% ($21.4 million); manufactured goods (copper tubes, rare metals) – 11% ($18.2 million); non-food raw materials (shellac, fibrous pulp) – 2.9% ($4.8 million); and food products (leguminous vegetables and dried fruits) – 2.1% ($3.4 million).
Imports from India ($1,153.1 million) are dominated by chemical products (medicines, dyes, etc.) – 36% ($415.3 million). Food products (meat products) account for a significant 27% ($311 million), while machinery, transport equipment and electrical goods represent 26.6% ($306.5 million). Other imports include miscellaneous manufactured articles – 3.9% ($44.7 million); manufactured goods – 3.7% ($43.2 million); services (transport and computer services) – 1.2% ($13.7 million); and tobacco and non-food raw materials – 1.5% ($17.4 million).
As of August 2026, 439 enterprises with Indian capital were operating in Uzbekistan, including 89 joint ventures and 350 enterprises with 100% Indian capital. For comparison, in 2017–2018 their number was around 100, indicating a substantial expansion of the presence of Indian businesses in Uzbekistan.
In 2025, the volume of foreign direct investment and loans from India amounted to $247 million. Overall, during 2016–2025, the cumulative volume of FDI and loans attracted from India reached approximately $587 million. The year 2025 alone accounted for about 42% of all Indian investment and loans attracted during the period under review, also representing the largest investment volume among South Asian countries.
Indian capital and joint projects are concentrated primarily in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, the chemical industry, metallurgy and mining, mechanical engineering, energy and digital infrastructure, as well as the agro-industrial sector. These areas are regarded by both sides as priorities for the further expansion of investment cooperation.
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