Uzbekistan has introduced 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens following talks between Narendra Modi and Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, alongside new tourism cooperation and expanding trade, direct flights and strategic ties between India and Central Asia.

Uzbekistan has introduced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on August 30, 2026. The move is aimed at making short-term tourism and business travel easier while expanding people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Tourism cooperation expands

The visa decision came during Modi’s State visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30, 2026. The two governments also signed a tourism cooperation program covering 2026–2028, alongside agreements and initiatives spanning cultural exchanges, education and other areas of bilateral cooperation.

The leaders said easier travel, combined with 14 direct flights each week between India and Uzbekistan, could support stronger tourism and business links.

India-Uzbekistan trade gains momentum

Economic cooperation was a major part of the talks. Bilateral trade rose about 33% in 2025 to roughly $1.3 billion, while the number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold in recent years.

The two sides discussed wider cooperation in trade and investment, digital technologies, defense and security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, agriculture, education, energy and connectivity.

Cultural and education ties deepen

Four Indian universities are operating in Uzbekistan. The two countries also highlighted the role of the Lal Bahadur Shastri and Mahatma Gandhi centers in Tashkent and the growing popularity of yoga as part of broader cultural engagement.

For Indian travelers, the 30-day visa-free regime removes a significant entry hurdle for short visits and could increase leisure and business travel to Uzbekistan.

Modi travels to SCO summit in Bishkek

After concluding his Uzbekistan visit on August 30, Modi traveled to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, held from August 31 to September 1, 2026.

The visa move adds a practical travel component to the broader India-Uzbekistan relationship as both governments seek deeper economic, tourism and regional cooperation across Central Asia.