India-Uzbekistan Ties: PM Modi Announces Uranium Deal, New Ministerial Coordination Council

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a series of measures to deepen India-Uzbekistan cooperation, including a long-term uranium supply arrangement and a new Ministerial-level mechanism to oversee bilateral ties.

Key Takeaways

Speaking during delegation-level talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, PM Modi said the two countries would formalise a long-term arrangement for uranium supplies.

The two sides will establish a Coordination Council headed by their Foreign Ministers to guide cooperation across areas, PM Modi said. The existing Joint Commission will be upgraded from the Secretary level to the Ministerial level.

India and Uzbekistan will jointly organise a Business Summit, bringing together business leaders from both countries to explore opportunities for stronger economic engagement.

PM Modi referred to President Mirziyoyev’s book, which outlines projects in key sectors and a timeline for advancing the bilateral economic partnership. He welcomed the initiative and expressed confidence that joint efforts would accelerate progress.

The Prime Minister proposed greater cooperation between cities and states. He said the two sides were formalising three sister-city and sister-state arrangements and called for a roadmap to maximise their potential.

Drawing a comparison between Uzbekistan’s New Tashkent project and Gujarat’s GIFT City, PM Modi invited an Uzbek delegation to India to study the technology and practices used in developing the financial hub.

PM Modi thanked President Mirziyoyev for the hospitality extended during his visit, particularly a dinner hosted on Saturday. He praised the cultural programme featuring Uzbek children singing and dancing and said the evening gave him a sense of India’s presence in Uzbekistan.

PM Modi appreciated the display of the Indian Tricolour across Tashkent, calling the gesture deeply touching.

The announcements came during PM Modi’s two-day State Visit to Uzbekistan, aimed at strengthening the strategic and economic partnership between the two countries.

Also Read: PM Modi Holds Delegation-Level Talks With Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev In Tashkent