Jaishankar meets Uzbekistan FM Saidov, eyes billion-dollar trade growth
Synopsis
India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar used the Uzbekistan FM's three-day New Delhi visit to push bilateral trade past the $1 billion mark, flag mining as the next frontier, and lock in mutual support on BRICS and the Non-Aligned Movement — a quiet but methodical expansion of India's Central Asia footprint.
Key Takeaways
EAM S Jaishankar met Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in New Delhi on 3 August during Saidov's three-day official visit .
Bilateral trade stands at nearly $1 billion ; Jaishankar said the figure 'should go up,' with mining identified as a new priority sector.
Both sides reaffirmed zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism and cooperation through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) .
India expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan's support as a BRICS partner country under India's 2026 Chairship .
India backed Uzbekistan's Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) chairship for 2027–29 .
A parliamentary friendship group for India-Uzbekistan contacts was proposed to strengthen institutional ties.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday, 3 August held talks with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in New Delhi, reaffirming the steady upward trajectory of India-Uzbekistan bilateral ties. Saidov is on a three-day official visit to the Indian capital, and the meeting is expected to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
Key Developments
Jaishankar opened the meeting by placing Uzbekistan firmly within India's strategic calculus. 'We in India consider Uzbekistan to be part of our extended neighbourhood, and there is always a continuous exchange of people, ideas, and goods in both directions. We share very long and deep historical and cultural linkages,' he said. He further noted that leadership-level contact between the two countries has remained consistent, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds 'a very special regard' for Uzbekistan's President.
Trade and Economic Agenda
Bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at close to $1 billion — a figure Jaishankar described as one that 'should go up.' The EAM highlighted that economic engagement has broadened well beyond traditional domains, now spanning construction, digital infrastructure, energy, health, and education. He also flagged mining as a priority sector for future collaboration, signalling India's interest in Uzbekistan's substantial mineral resources. A proposal to establish a parliamentary friendship group for India-Uzbekistan contacts was also put forward to institutionalise people-to-people and legislative exchanges.
Shared Stance on Terrorism and Regional Security
On foreign policy convergence, Jaishankar underscored that both nations, as developing countries, share common positions on international and regional challenges — particularly terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking. 'We deeply appreciate that the government and people of Uzbekistan have taken a strong stand on combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations... both of us have shown zero tolerance towards sanctuaries and towards cross-border terrorism,' he stated. The two countries cooperate across bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Multilateral Cooperation: BRICS and NAM
Jaishankar noted that India holds the BRICS Chairship in 2026 and expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan's support as a partner country for BRICS activities and initiatives. In a reciprocal gesture, he conveyed India's backing for Uzbekistan's chairship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for 2027–29 — a signal of deepening alignment on multilateral forums beyond the immediate neighbourhood.
What's Next
The Saidov visit is expected to yield agreements or joint statements formalising some of the cooperation frameworks discussed. With India's Connect Central Asia policy gaining renewed momentum and the SCO providing a structural platform, the bilateral relationship appears poised for a more institutionalised phase. Whether trade crosses the billion-dollar threshold in the near term will be a key benchmark to watch.
Point of View
And Uzbekistan needs credibility for its 2027–29 NAM leadership. Both sides got something. Whether the parliamentary friendship group translates into legislative-level traction — or remains a talking point — will be the real test of this visit's durability.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister visit India?
Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov arrived in New Delhi for a three-day official visit to hold talks with EAM S Jaishankar and advance bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, digital infrastructure, and security. The visit is part of sustained high-level engagement between the two countries.
What is the current state of India-Uzbekistan trade?
Bilateral trade between India and Uzbekistan is close to $1 billion, according to EAM Jaishankar, who described the figure as one that 'should go up.' Mining has been flagged as a new priority sector to accelerate growth beyond that threshold.
How do India and Uzbekistan cooperate on security?
Both countries share a stated zero-tolerance position on terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking, and cooperate through bilateral channels as well as multilateral platforms including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
What is India's role in BRICS in 2026 and how does Uzbekistan fit in?
India holds the BRICS Chairship in 2026. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan's support as a partner country for BRICS activities and initiatives, reflecting Tashkent's growing engagement with the grouping even as a non-member.
What is the Non-Aligned Movement chairship that Uzbekistan is taking on?
Uzbekistan is set to chair the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for the period 2027–29. India has conveyed its formal support for Uzbekistan's NAM chairship, signalling alignment on multilateral diplomacy beyond their immediate bilateral agenda.
