PM Modi Announces Buddhist Heritage Conservation And Hindi Scholarships In Uzbekistan

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a series of measures to deepen India-Uzbekistan cooperation, including joint efforts to preserve Buddhist heritage sites in Uzbekistan and scholarships to promote Hindi in the Central Asian country.

Addressing a joint press conference with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, PM Modi said the two countries were placing greater emphasis on their shared historical and cultural links.

The Prime Minister said India and Uzbekistan would work together to protect Buddhist heritage sites in Uzbekistan and strengthen exchanges between young people, particularly students and professionals.

PM Modi said the two sides had signed a programme of cooperation to promote tourism and announced scholarships aimed at expanding Hindi language studies in Uzbekistan.

Agriculture and healthcare were identified as other areas with scope for closer collaboration.

PM Modi said Uzbekistan’s expertise in horticulture could complement India’s modern agricultural practices, while Uzbek medicinal herbs and Indian Ayurveda could support cooperation in traditional medicine.

The Prime Minister said India and Uzbekistan wanted stronger connections beyond their national capitals. Partnerships between cities and states will likely encourage cooperation in areas such as tourism, education, culture and development.

The two countries have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with 2026 marking the 15th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

PM Modi said defence and security cooperation would expand through direct industry linkages, co-production and co-development. He added that India and Uzbekistan shared a commitment to zero tolerance towards terrorism, extremism and separatism.

On trade, PM Modi said bilateral commerce had crossed $1 billion, with both sides aiming to reach $5 billion by 2030. He said greater market access, connectivity, banking and payment links, along with cooperation in infrastructure, would help achieve the target.

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