India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · UZBEKISTAN
India & Uzbekistan
SPECIAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSCO MEMBERINSTC CONNECTIVITYCENTRAL ASIA CONNECT
India and Uzbekistan share a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, the highest formal designation in India's Central Asia engagement. Uzbekistan is the most populous and economically significant of the five Central Asian states. The relationship is driven by SCO membership, the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), defence cooperation, trade and deep civilisational ties rooted in a shared Persian-Turkic cultural heritage, with cities like Samarkand and Bukhara historically connected to Indian trade routes.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Uzbekistan actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
FY 2023-24 estimates. Trade constrained by lack of direct connectivity. India exports pharmaceuticals, machinery; imports cotton and minerals. Source: MEA.
$0.9bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$0.6bn
India exports to country
$0.3bn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$0.9bnin FY24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1992, in 7 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
The relationship is on a positive trajectory anchored by the 2019 Strategic Partnership upgrade, regular military exercises and SCO engagement. Connectivity is the key constraint: until INSTC or an Afghanistan routing is operationalised, trade will remain far below its potential. Uzbekistan's economic reforms have created new investment opportunities for Indian companies.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
IN CONTEXT
How India and Uzbekistan cross paths multilaterally
