"Overwhelmed By The Warmth": PM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Uzbekistan - NDTV

**“Overwhelmed By The Warmness”: PM Modi Receives Grand Welcome in Uzbekistan**

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent on Monday to a ceremony that officials described as a “grand welcome,” complete with a military guard of honour, a cultural performance and the conferral of Uzbekistan’s highest civilian award, the Order of Friendship. Speaking to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and other senior officials, Modi praised Uzbekistan’s strategic location, calling it “the heart of Central Asia,” and underscored the deepening political ties that have characterized the two nations’ relationship since the launch of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021.

The visit also produced several substantive agreements aimed at expanding bilateral trade and cooperation in critical sectors. India and Uzbekistan signed a long‑term uranium supply contract that will see Indian nuclear power plants receive uranium from Uzbek mines over the next decade, marking a significant step in India’s quest for diversified nuclear fuel sources. In parallel, the two sides set an ambitious target of $5 billion in bilateral trade by 2027, with a roadmap that includes joint ventures in defence equipment, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and information technology. Both leaders highlighted the importance of “mutual trust” and “shared prosperity” as the foundation for these initiatives.

Analysts note that the agreements signal a broader strategic recalibration for India in Central Asia, where it seeks to balance economic interests with security concerns amid a shifting geopolitical landscape. The uranium deal, in particular, positions Uzbekistan as a reliable partner in India’s civilian nuclear programme, reducing reliance on traditional suppliers. Meanwhile, the trade target and expanded defence collaboration are expected to generate new market opportunities for Indian firms while bolstering Uzbekistan’s industrial diversification efforts. The high‑profile reception and the suite of agreements underscore the growing significance of Indo‑Uzbek ties in the region’s future.