India expects 'significant progress' in mining cooperation with Uzbekistan

India anticipates "significant progress" in its mining partnership with Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan and India have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the mining industry and geological resources, planning to move on to its practical implementation, according to Sibi George, Secretary for Western Affairs at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

He said the two sides are already discussing commercial initiatives in the mining sector and an exchange of delegations to launch the memorandum.

"India has significant commercial interest in collaborating with Uzbekistan within the framework of this partnership," the Foreign Ministry representative emphasized.

He recalled that two business forums were held earlier in 2026 with the participation of mining companies from both countries. "We will see significant progress in the mining sector in the coming months, as the necessary framework has been created and the business community on both sides is actively engaged," noted Sibi George.

The memorandum specifically provides for cooperation in the field of critical minerals and is linked to the discussed long-term uranium supplies from Uzbekistan to India.

Following the talks between Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Narendra Modi in Tashkent, the parties also agreed to explore the possibility of joint projects in geological exploration, mining and processing of mineral raw materials, as well as the production of high-value-added products. India is interested in involving its companies in the development of promising deposits in Uzbekistan.

Separately, the parties are negotiating a new long-term agreement for uranium supplies. According to Sibi George, the agreement is expected to be signed "in the very near future."

Sibi George also announced that India will allocate $1 million for projects to restore the Aral Sea region's ecology.

He stated that this initiative is linked to the overlapping environmental priorities of Uzbekistan's "Yashil Makon" program and India's "Plant for Mother" initiative. Funding will be provided through the Indian government's grant program.

Furthermore, the parties agreed to expand cooperation in infrastructure. According to a representative of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, several Indian companies are already increasing their presence in Uzbekistan, including EPC contractor L&T (Larsen & Toubro), which is involved in local projects, specifically the construction of power plants and a data center.