Marking a major breakthrough during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tashkent, India and Uzbekistan elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on Sunday, securing a long-term deal for uranium supplies.
The announcement came after the delegation-level bilateral talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent.
Both the countries agreed to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy. "We will also establish a long-term arrangement for the supply of uranium," said Modi.
He also pointed to Uzbekistan's New Tashkent development and India's GIFT City in Gujarat as examples of major urban-development projects.
What uranium agreement means for India
A long-term uranium supply agreement with Uzbekistan delivers major strategic, economic, and geopolitical advantages for India.
*India relies on imported yellowcake (natural uranium ore concentrate) to fuel its Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) that operate under IAEA safeguards. Extending and expanding supplies from Uzbekistan secures the raw material needed for India's ongoing nuclear capacity expansion. India aims to achieve 100 GW by 2047.
*It would also help the country build a strategic uranium reserve. This ensures domestic power generation remains uninterrupted, preventing fuel shortages like those experienced post-1974 international sanctions.
*Uzbekistan is one of the world's top five producers of natural uranium. Securing a long-term contract alongside existing suppliers like Kazakhstan, France, Russia, and Canada prevents single-source dependence and protects India from geopolitical supply chain shocks.
*Energy cooperation serves as an anchor for India's broader presence in Central Asia, balancing Chinese economic influence (such as the Belt and Road Initiative) across landlocked, resource-rich Eurasian transit corridors.
PM Modi conferred with highest honour
PM Modi on Sunday was conferred with Uzbekistan's prestigious 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order, which he dedicated to the "enduring" bond between India and Uzbekistan.
"Honoured to receive the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order. I dedicate this to the enduring bond between India and Uzbekistan," Modi said in a social media post.
In his remarks, Modi said, "Being honoured with Uzbekistan's highest award is a matter of great pride for me."
"There is hardly a family in India where the word 'Dostlik' is not spoken a hundred times a day. Today, you have truly brought out the essence of it. 'Dostlik' means friendship. The word itself beautifully expresses the sentiment at the heart of the relationship between India and Uzbekistan," he said.
