India-Uzbekistan ink uranium supply deal, set $5 bn trade goal as Modi receives top Uzbek honour - ThePrint

India and Uzbekistan have signed a landmark agreement that will see Uzbek uranium supplied to India for civilian nuclear power generation, a move that dovetails with New Delhi’s broader push to diversify its nuclear fuel sources. The pact, concluded during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two‑day visit to Tashkent, is expected to evolve into a long‑term arrangement that complements India’s existing contracts with Canada and Australia. In recognition of the deepening ties, Uzbekistan conferred upon Modi its highest state honour – the Order of Friendship – a gesture described by Uzbek officials as a “grand moment of pride for every Indian.”

The two governments also set an ambitious target of achieving $5 billion in bilateral trade within the next five years, a figure that would markedly raise the current exchange of roughly $700 million. To facilitate this growth, the parties agreed to upgrade their relationship to a **comprehensive strategic partnership**, encompassing sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and defence cooperation. Business delegations from both sides are slated to explore joint ventures in solar power, agro‑technology, and medical equipment, signalling a shift from traditional commodity trade to higher‑value collaborations.

The agreements were announced against the backdrop of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where India and Uzbekistan jointly condemned cross‑border terrorism and reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability. Analysts see the uranium deal as a strategic hedge for India’s expanding nuclear programme, reducing reliance on Western suppliers and enhancing energy security. For Uzbekistan, the partnership offers a pathway to diversify its export portfolio and attract foreign investment, reinforcing its role as a pivotal player in Central Asian geopolitics.