Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov has begun a four-day visit to New Delhi aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation with India across critical sectors, including trade, investment, energy, connectivity, and regional security.

The visit highlights New Delhi’s renewed focus on deepening its strategic alliances within Central Asia, a vital region situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Saidov’s itinerary features a scheduled meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, participation in a bilateral business forum, and extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. These discussions will center on advancing political relations, expanding economic synergies, and accelerating mutual engagement.

This diplomatic trip builds upon a succession of high-level exchanges between New Delhi and Tashkent. The two nations established formal diplomatic ties in 1992 and officially upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2011. Most recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held discussions in September 2025 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.

Despite steadily growing political connections, economic activity between the two nations has yet to reach its full potential. Bilateral trade is currently valued at approximately USD 756.6 million, positioning India among Uzbekistan’s top 10 commercial partners. India primarily exports mobile phones, optical equipment, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, vehicle components, and frozen buffalo meat to the Central Asian nation. In return, India imports lubricants, juices, fertilisers, fruits, and vegetables from Uzbekistan.

Economic momentum saw a recent boost in May of this year when both countries signed a bilateral market access protocol. The agreement is designed to support Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is anticipated to generate fresh commercial opportunities for businesses in both nations. Supported by inputs from ANI, the current visit is expected to add another significant layer to India’s expanding strategic and commercial footprint in Central Asia.