India And Uzbekistan Reaffirm Commitment To Deepen Trade And Economic Cooperation

New Delhi, Jun 20 (KNN) India and Uzbekistan reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral economic cooperation during the 14th session of the India-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to deepen strategic and commercial ties.

India And Uzbekistan Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthen Ties 

The meeting was co-chaired by Rajesh Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Commerce, India, and Shokhrukh Gulamov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan. 

Both sides said the partnership is rooted in long-standing historical and civilisational ties and further strengthened by the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. 

Strong Trade Performance Highlights Economic Momentum 

India’s external trade remained strong, with total goods and services exports estimated at USD 860.09 billion in FY 2025–26. 

In April–May 2026–27, exports rose 14.66 percent year-on-year to USD 162.69 billion, driven by engineering goods, electronics, chemicals, petroleum products, and gems and jewellery. 

Priority Sectors Identified For Future Cooperation 

The Commission identified key sectors for boosting India’s exports to Uzbekistan, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, agriculture and processed foods, agricultural machinery, engineering goods, electronics, automobiles and auto components, textiles, chemicals, and services such as healthcare, education, tourism and logistics. 

Pharmaceuticals were highlighted as a priority, with India emphasising its role as a reliable supplier of affordable medicines, vaccines and active pharmaceutical ingredients. 

Agriculture, Digital And Energy Cooperation Gain Focus 

Both sides discussed cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, including seed development, climate-resilient farming, agricultural machinery and agri-research. 

In the digital and ICT sector, India proposed collaboration in IT services, digital public infrastructure, fintech, cybersecurity, telecom and digital education, along with stronger customs data exchange and potential payment system integration to facilitate trade, tourism and business flows. 

Energy cooperation was also highlighted, including rising demand from India’s digital economy such as AI and data centres, and the need for secure access to critical minerals. 

Trade Barriers And Connectivity Discussed 

The Commerce Secretary stressed the need to address non-tariff barriers related to standards, certification, customs procedures and regulations, and called for a time-bound mechanism to resolve them and improve predictability for businesses. 

Both sides also highlighted the importance of stronger logistics and transport connectivity, with Uzbekistan sharing its experience in digital logistics platforms and customs facilitation systems. 

Next Session To Be Held In India 

India also invited Uzbek businesses to participate in trade fairs, investment forums and buyer-seller meets, while both sides agreed to strengthen engagement between chambers of commerce and industry bodies. 

The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold the 15th session of the Commission in India at a mutually convenient time, reinforcing efforts toward broader and more diversified economic cooperation. 

(KNN Bureau)