Uzbekistan and India announce a 30-day visa-free travel regime
Uzbekistan and India have agreed to implement a 30-day visa-free travel regime for their citizens.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the policy shift following bilateral negotiations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The travel initiative forms part of a broader diplomatic effort to elevate relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The relaxed entry rules aim to streamline cross-border movement and stimulate the tourism sector. Both nations plan to launch joint tourist routes, host reciprocal cultural weeks and organise film festivals to foster closer societal ties.
Both governments view the visa waiver as a foundational step for business personnel who require rapid travel options to negotiate and manage emerging cross-border projects. A dedicated mechanism led by the respective foreign ministers will monitor the implementation of these agreements. Officials are currently drafting a specialised roadmap to guide the diplomatic rollout.
Economic targets and expanded trade
Beyond tourism, the recent negotiations focused heavily on expanding economic cooperation and industrial output. Bilateral trade between the two countries surpassed $1.3bn last year, representing a 33% increase. Leaders have now established a target to reach $5bn in annual commercial exchange by 2030. During the first seven months of 2026 alone, bilateral trade totalled $698.7mn.
The shared economic agenda includes strengthening joint ventures across multiple high-value sectors. Targeted industries encompass energy generation, pharmaceuticals, healthcare services, consumer electronics, jewellery manufacturing, agriculture and the extraction of critical minerals. The recent discussions underscore a mutual desire to diversify supply chains across the Asian continent, leveraging Uzbekistan’s geographic location as a strategic transit hub.
As of early August, 439 enterprises featuring Indian financial backing were operating within Uzbekistan. Foreign direct investment remains a key pillar of the strengthened partnership. Indian corporate investments and state credit allocations in the Central Asian nation reached $225.9mn by mid-year.
