Uzbekistan has proposed five energy projects worth $3.4 billion to India.

Uzbekistan has submitted a proposal to India for cooperation in five energy projects, with a total value estimated at $3.4 billion. Indian companies have been invited to act as investors, Energy Minister Sherzod Khodjayev announced on the O'zbekiston 24 television channel.

The minister noted that Indian companies are already involved in Uzbekistan's energy sector as contractors, and their current project portfolio exceeds $2 billion. The possibility of their direct participation in financing new initiatives is now being considered.

The proposed package includes the construction of high-voltage power lines, as well as hydroelectric and thermal power plants. The necessary surveys are currently underway for all projects.

Specifically, the construction of pumped-storage power plants in Karakalpakstan and the Tashkent region is planned. Another project involves the construction of a thermal power plant in the Surkhandarya region.

Furthermore, the construction of a high-voltage transmission line through the Kamchik Pass, which will connect the Tashkent and Namangan regions, is proposed. A separate project involves the construction of a high-voltage power line between the Navoi and Tashkent regions.

In implementing these projects, special attention will be paid to localization. Sherzod Khodjaev emphasized that the majority of the workforce should be Uzbek citizens. It is proposed to outsource at least 50% of the design work to local companies, and increase the share of Uzbek-made products to 70%.

The minister explained the involvement of Indian companies by the need to leverage their technological expertise and experience in managing large-scale energy projects.

"They have the know-how, but our management teams for such megaprojects are not yet fully formed, so their primary assistance will be in these areas," Khodjaev stated.