Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the phone with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Tuesday. During the call, both leaders reviewed the progress made in important areas of cooperation and confirmed their shared commitment to take the India–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership to greater heights.
President Mirziyoyev warmly congratulated PM Modi and the people of India on the upcoming 79th Independence Day. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement that the conversation was positive and focused on key sectors of bilateral ties.
PM Modi also posted on X, saying, “Had a fruitful conversation with President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev. We reviewed the progress achieved in key areas of our bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed our shared resolve to further advance the India–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership.”
Both leaders discussed regional and global issues of common interest. They stressed their commitment to strengthening the historical bonds between India and Central Asia and agreed to remain in close contact. The PMO said that trade, connectivity, healthcare, technology, and people-to-people exchanges were among the key topics reviewed.
India and Uzbekistan enjoy relations that date back to ancient history. India was one of the first nations to recognise Uzbekistan’s independence. PM Modi has visited Uzbekistan several times, including trips to Tashkent in July 2015 and June 2016, and to Samarkand in September 2022. President Mirziyoyev has visited India twice, in October 2018 and January 2019. The two leaders have also met at various international summits, including COP-28 in Dubai in 2023 and the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in 2024.
In June this year, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. They discussed cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, and energy, as well as their shared concern about terrorism. Saidov was in India to attend the 4th India–Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi, a forum launched in 2019 to boost ties between India and Central Asia.
During the meeting, Jaishankar appreciated the solidarity shown by Central Asian countries in condemning the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The discussions reflected both nations’ determination to work together for regional stability, security, and development.