TASHKENT: In a major boost to its civil nuclear program and long-term energy security, India has finalized a long-term framework for the procurement of nuclear-grade uranium from Uzbekistan. The agreement was announced in Tashkent following high-level bilateral talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, coinciding with the two nations formally elevating their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The strategic arrangement guarantees a steady supply of nuclear fuel to support India’s expanding commercial reactor fleet. Uzbekistan, which holds some of the world’s largest recoverable reserves of uranium, plays an increasingly crucial role in helping India diversify its fuel imports alongside established partners like Kazakhstan, Canada, and Russia. Prime Minister Modi highlighted Central Asia’s vital role in meeting India’s growing energy needs and clean energy goals, while Ministry of External Affairs officials emphasized that the deal reflects deep diplomatic trust between the two countries.
Beyond nuclear energy, the summit yielded several wide-ranging agreements across economic, military, and cultural sectors. Both leaders set an ambitious target to increase annual bilateral trade from around $1 billion to $5 billion by 2030 and established a Foreign Minister-level Coordination Council to oversee trade logistics. The two nations also pledged closer defense industry collaboration, joint exploration of critical minerals, and partnerships to restore ancient Silk Road Buddhist heritage sites in Uzbekistan.
The civil nuclear contract underscores New Delhi’s strategic push into Central Asia, where Uzbekistan serves as a critical partner for regional security and trade connectivity. Addressing shared security concerns, both governments reaffirmed a commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism and extremism. Ultimately, the long-term uranium deal provides India with vital raw materials to power its domestic energy grid while solidifying its geopolitical and economic footprint across the region.
