Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and India reached $1.3 billion in 2025, according to Indian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Smita Pant, who noted that significant potential for further growth remains.

"We are pleased to have reached the $1.3 billion mark. This is a good achievement, but it is still below the level our countries could attain," the diplomat stated.

Ambassador Pant emphasized that bilateral relations are built on longstanding cultural traditions, close people-to-people contacts, and stable political dialogue. However, economic cooperation does not yet fully reflect this potential, with insufficient transport connectivity being a key constraint.

Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia, with its population approaching 40 million soon. India remains the world's most populous nation. Given the scale of their domestic markets, the two countries are natural economic partners.

Promising areas for cooperation include supplies of Uzbek agricultural products such as fruits, grapes, raisins, and other goods. Potential also exists in metallurgy and mining, pharmaceuticals, IT products, meat products, and chemical dyes. In some cases, supplies are facilitated through third-country intermediaries.

The ambassador stressed the importance of shifting to direct contracts between the business communities of both nations. Last year, around 200 Indian business delegates visited Uzbekistan, while over 100 Uzbek business representatives traveled to India.

Separately, Pant commented on the launch of an undergraduate program in Uzbek language, literature, and culture at a Delhi university. India already has specialists proficient in Uzbek, and interest in studying Uzbekistan is gradually increasing.

In conclusion, Ambassador Pant highlighted the role of media in supporting bilateral cooperation through raising awareness of opportunities.

Source: kun.uz