India-Uzbekistan Partnership Opens New Business Opportunities in Central Asia, Says Dr. Kalantri

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and proposed visa-free travel could support trade, investment, joint ventures and business engagement between India and Uzbekistan.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, has highlighted Uzbekistan’s growing importance as a strategic gateway for Indian businesses seeking opportunities across Central Asia. He said the elevation of India-Uzbekistan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, along with the target of increasing bilateral trade to over US$5 billion by 2030, could support stronger commercial engagement between the two countries.

Expanding Bilateral Trade and Business Engagement

“The elevation of India-Uzbekistan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership marks an important new phase in our engagement with Central Asia. The target of taking bilateral trade to over US$ 5 billion by 2030 is achievable through greater business-to-business engagement, joint ventures, investment and diversification of the trade basket. The proposed 30-day visa-free regime between India and Uzbekistan is a particularly welcome step as easier movement of people can encourage business travel, trade delegations, exhibitions, tourism and investment partnerships,” said Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai.

He also pointed to opportunities for cooperation across several strategic sectors, including critical minerals, uranium, energy security, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, digital technology and manufacturing.

Opportunities Across Strategic Sectors

“India and Uzbekistan have considerable opportunities to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, uranium and energy security, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, digital technology and manufacturing. Uzbekistan’s resource base can complement India’s growing requirements, while Indian industry can contribute expertise in technology, healthcare, manufacturing and skill development. Progress on long-term uranium supplies, mineral cooperation and the integration of UPI with Uzbekistan’s UZQR payment system can further strengthen strategic and commercial ties,” added Dr. Kalantri.

According to Dr. Kalantri, cooperation in these areas could further connect Uzbekistan’s resources and market opportunities with India’s capabilities in technology, healthcare, manufacturing and skill development.

Recognition of India-Uzbekistan Relations

Dr. Kalantri also highlighted the conferment of Uzbekistan’s highest honour for foreign leaders, the ‘Oliy Darajali Do’stlik’ Order, on Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, marking his 36th international honour.

“The conferment of Uzbekistan’s highest honour for foreign leaders, the ‘Oliy Darajali Do’stlik’ Order, on Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, marking 36th international honour, reflects the warmth of India-Uzbekistan relations and India’s growing global stature. Prime Minister Modi’s engagements in Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, along with India’s participation at the SCO, highlight the growing strategic and economic importance of Central Asia and can strengthen trade, investment and business linkages across the region.”