India and Uzbekistan plan to expand their economic and industrial cooperation significantly, with a possible long-term uranium supply agreement at the centre of the talks.
The issue was discussed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Tashkent. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held wide-ranging talks covering the countries’ strategic partnership.
Modi welcomed the progress made towards a long-term arrangement for uranium deliveries from Uzbekistan. He also stressed the importance of deeper cooperation in critical and strategically important minerals, World Nuclear News reported.
No new uranium agreement has yet been signed. However, a senior Indian foreign ministry official said that the negotiations were approaching a conclusion.
– Positive discussions have taken place on a long-term arrangement for the supply of uranium to India. We are closing in on signing an agreement very shortly, Siby George, Secretary West at the Ministry of External Affairs, told the Hindustan Times.
Trade targeted to reach USD 5 billion
Trade between India and Uzbekistan exceeded USD 1 billion for the first time in 2025. The countries’ leaders now aim to increase annual trade turnover to USD 5 billion by 2030.
The plans extend well beyond uranium. The two countries intend to explore cooperation in geology, mining, nuclear energy, industrial production and the processing of critical minerals.
A joint statement also mentioned mineral-processing projects, the production of higher-value goods and raw-material recycling. Indian companies are to be encouraged to participate in developing promising mineral deposits in Uzbekistan, while Uzbek enterprises could join projects in India.
The two sides also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. In the longer term, this could cover more than nuclear fuel supplies, although no specific reactor or technology projects have been announced.
Uzbekistan is seeking to diversify its economy and attract investment in mining, industry and energy technology. India, meanwhile, needs reliable access to raw materials to support its economic growth and rising energy demand.
India plans major nuclear expansion
India currently has around 7,900 megawatts of nuclear generating capacity from 24 operational reactors. Its long-term ambition is to increase nuclear capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047.
This would represent more than a twelvefold increase from today’s level. Nuclear power is expected to help meet rapidly growing electricity demand while reducing India’s dependence on coal.
It is also intended to provide stable generation as the country expands its use of wind and solar power. Such a large nuclear programme will, however, require substantially greater and more secure uranium supplies.
India has domestic uranium resources, but its production is insufficient to supply both the existing reactor fleet and the planned expansion. The country therefore imports uranium from suppliers including Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Canada.
India’s existing long-term supply contract with Uzbekistan runs until the end of 2026. A new agreement could extend the partnership and provide greater certainty as additional reactors are built.
India is also broadening its supplier base. A recent agreement facilitates uranium exports from Australia, while the country’s Department of Atomic Energy has signed a long-term contract with Canadian producer Cameco for uranium concentrate.
By purchasing uranium from several countries, India aims to reduce supply risks and avoid excessive dependence on any single producer.
An Indian parliamentary committee also called on the government in August to accelerate domestic uranium-mining projects. Imports are expected to remain essential, but higher domestic production is regarded as an important part of the country’s energy security.
Uzbekistan ranks among leading uranium producers
Uzbekistan produced an estimated 4,000 tonnes of uranium in 2024, making it the world’s fifth-largest producer after Kazakhstan, Canada, Namibia and Australia, according to the World Nuclear Association.
Most of the country’s uranium production is intended for export. A long-term agreement with India would therefore give Uzbekistan access to a growing market while helping India secure fuel for its nuclear expansion.
The uranium negotiations form part of a broader strategic rapprochement. India wants stronger economic ties with Central Asia, while Uzbekistan is looking for new markets, investment and technological partnerships.
If signed, the agreement would have both energy and trade-policy significance. For India, it would strengthen fuel security for an expanding nuclear programme. For Uzbekistan, it would consolidate the country’s position as one of the world’s leading uranium suppliers.
Modi and Mirziyoyev concluded the visit by planting a tree together. According to the Uzbek Presidency, the ceremony symbolised the beginning of a new stage in relations between the two countries.
Sources: World Nuclear News, India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Presidency of Uzbekistan, Hindustan Times and the World Nuclear Association.
