India and Uzbekistan Sign Uranium Deal and Target $5B Trade as PM Receives Top Honor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a high-level two-day official visit to Uzbekistan, during which both nations formalised a long-term uranium supply agreement and agreed to scale bilateral trade to $5 billion annually by 2030, up from the current $1 billion. During the summit, PM Modi was conferred with Uzbekistan's highest state award, the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' (Order of Supreme Friendship). Additionally, Uzbekistan announced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian travelers to boost tourism and business connectivity.

Central Asia holds strategic priority under India's 'Connect Central Asia Policy' initiated to deepen economic, energy, and security linkages. Uzbekistan is a landlocked nation rich in critical minerals and natural resources. India's civil nuclear energy expansion requires steady foreign raw material imports, making uranium agreements with Central Asian suppliers pivotal for domestic energy security.

Key details for competitive exams include: the award 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' marks the 36th international state honor conferred upon PM Modi. Bilateral trade is targeted to grow fivefold from $1 billion to $5 billion by 2030. Uzbekistan becomes the second Central Asian nation after Kazakhstan to commit long-term uranium fuel supplies to Indian civilian nuclear reactors under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.

This development strengthens India's presence in Eurasia and advances the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) via Chabahar Port. For UPSC candidates, this topic is directly applicable to Prelims MCQs on bilateral agreements and Mains GS-2 coverage of India's extended neighborhood and energy diplomacy.