India–Uzbekistan- Historical, Cultural And Civilizational Ties

Source: PIB
GS II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Why in the News?

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla met Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister H.E. Bakhtiyor Saidov at Parliament House on 4 August 2026.

News in Brief

• Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen parliamentary, political, economic, educational, and cultural cooperation.
• The meeting highlighted the role of the India–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, constituted in March 2026, in strengthening bilateral ties.
• The discussions reflected the growing India–Central Asia partnership and cooperation on regional and global issues.

India–Uzbekistan Relations

Historical Background

• India and Uzbekistan share centuries-old civilizational ties that date back to the ancient Silk Route.
• India was among the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan after it gained independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
• The Protocol establishing diplomatic relations was signed in Tashkent on 18 March 1992, and the relationship was elevated to the level of a Strategic Partnership in 2011.
• Since then, both countries have maintained regular political dialogue through institutional mechanisms and high-level exchanges.

Political Relations

• India and Uzbekistan maintain close political relations through frequent exchanges of visits by heads of state, ministers, parliamentarians, and senior officials.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Uzbekistan on several occasions, while President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has undertaken multiple visits to India.
• The leaders have also met regularly on the sidelines of multilateral forums such as the SCO, BRICS, COP Summits, and the India–Central Asia Summit.
• The two countries have established several institutional mechanisms, including the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC), Foreign Office Consultations (FoC), India–Central Asia Dialogue, and the India–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, which ensure continuous engagement across various sectors.
  • India–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group established in March 2026.
  • It encourages exchanges between legislators, parliamentary best practices, and stronger democratic institutions.

Economic and Trade Cooperation

• India is among Uzbekistan’s top ten trading partners, although bilateral trade remains below its full potential.
• India primarily exports pharmaceutical products, machinery, automobile components, optical instruments, mobile phones, frozen buffalo meat, and services to Uzbekistan.
• In return, India imports fruits, vegetables, fertilizers, juice extracts, lubricants, and services from Uzbekistan.
• Indian investments in Uzbekistan are estimated at approximately US$451 million and are concentrated in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education, and residential infrastructure.

Development Partnership

• India has emerged as an important development partner for Uzbekistan by implementing several High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs).
• These projects include the establishment of an Allergological Centre in Tashkent, the creation of an Information Technology laboratory for the Academy of Armed Forces, and the supply of computers to ICT centres in schools.
• India is also supporting healthcare initiatives, solar power projects for agriculture, and the renovation of sports infrastructure, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development in Uzbekistan.

Digital and Technology Cooperation

• Under the bilateral agreement between India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies, India supported the redrafting of Uzbekistan’s IT policy and assisted in establishing the country’s first IT Park in Tashkent.
• The two countries have also institutionalized cooperation through the Joint Working Group on Digital Technologies, which focuses on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital education, digital public infrastructure, and skill development.
• Uzbekistan’s participation in the India AI Impact Summit further reflects the growing emphasis on emerging technologies.

Defence and Security Cooperation

• India and Uzbekistan have developed a comprehensive defence partnership based on regular military exchanges, training programmes, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
• The bilateral military exercise DUSTLIK has become a major pillar of defence cooperation by enhancing interoperability between the armed forces of the two countries.
• Defence cooperation is further supported through the Joint Working Group on Defence, collaboration between defence industries, and regular meetings of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism.
• Both countries also cooperate closely under the India–Central Asia National Security Advisers’ Dialogue, particularly in addressing terrorism, extremism, and regional security challenges.

Education Cooperation

•  India has established India Study Centres in several Uzbek universities and supports academic cooperation through ICCR Chairs and ITEC training programmes.
• Indian universities such as Amity University, Sharda University, Sambhram University, and Acharya University have established campuses in Uzbekistan, thereby promoting higher education collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.

Cultural Cooperation

• India and Uzbekistan enjoy strong cultural ties rooted in their shared historical interactions.
• Indian films, music, and actors have remained highly popular in Uzbekistan for decades.
• The two countries regularly organize Indian film festivals, cultural performances, yoga conferences, and International Day of Yoga celebrations.
• The Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture plays a key role in promoting yoga, Kathak, Hindi language, and other aspects of Indian culture in Uzbekistan.
• Both shared heritage through Buddhism, Sufism, and Timurid-Mughal links.

People-to-People Relations

• People-to-people contacts have expanded considerably in recent years through education, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
• The Indian community in Uzbekistan is estimated to be around 21,000, including more than 16,000 Indian students pursuing higher education.
• The establishment of the India–Uzbekistan Consular Dialogue has further strengthened cooperation in visa facilitation, student welfare, tourism, and consular services.

Multilateral Cooperation

• India and Uzbekistan cooperate closely in several regional and global forums, including the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), BRICS, G20, India–Central Asia Dialogue, and the Voice of Global South Summit.
• India has also supported Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) through the signing of the Bilateral Market Access Protocol in May 2026.

Conclusion

India and Uzbekistan are steadily broadening their partnership beyond traditional diplomacy to encompass parliamentary engagement, connectivity, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

Sustained cooperation will strengthen India’s strategic presence in Central Asia, reinforce mutual trust and promote inclusive regional development.

Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding India–Uzbekistan relations:

1. India and Uzbekistan established a Parliamentary Friendship Group in 2026.
2. India and Uzbekistan conduct the joint military exercise DUSTLIK.
3. Uzbekistan has direct maritime access to the Indian Ocean.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Mains Practice Question

Q. “Parliamentary diplomacy has emerged as an important pillar of India’s engagement with Central Asia.” Discuss with reference to India–Uzbekistan relations. (250 words)

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