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India, Uzbekistan Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
India and Uzbekistan elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during the PM’s visit to Tashkent. Both sides agree to a long-term uranium supply arrangement and sign an MoU on mining and geology to cooperate on critical minerals, including uranium.
India-Uzbekistan Partnership and Uranium Cooperation:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Existing uranium contract (2019) | India previously enters into a contract with Uzbekistan in 2019 for supply of uranium covering delivery of 1,100 metric tonnes of natural uranium concentrate (yellowcake), with deliveries scheduled through 2026. |
| Status of deliveries | By March 2025, India has received approximately 600 metric tonnes of uranium under the 2019 agreement. |
| New uranium arrangement | A long-term uranium supply arrangement is established for provision of uranium from Uzbekistan to India for civilian nuclear power generation. |
| Safeguards framework | Civil nuclear cooperation under the India-Uzbekistan uranium arrangement is conducted under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. |
| MoU on mining and geology | A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on mining and geology is signed to facilitate cooperation on critical minerals, including uranium. |
| Other countries with long-term uranium import agreements | India has recently established or advanced long-term uranium import agreements with Canada, Australia, and Uzbekistan. |
| Key characteristics of uranium agreements | Each agreement involves civilian nuclear cooperation, is subject to IAEA safeguards, and is designed to ensure a long-term and stable supply of uranium concentrate. |
| Trade target under CSP | The CSP provides for increasing bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030, compared to the current level of just over USD 1 billion. |
| Defence collaboration under CSP | It provides for defence initiatives covering co-production, joint military exercises, and collaboration within the defence industry. |
| Connectivity and logistics under CSP | It provides for efforts to enhance regional transport corridors and minimise barriers to movement of goods. |
| Digital technology and innovation under CSP | It provides for cooperation in digital technology, artificial intelligence, and peaceful applications of space exploration. |
| Institutional mechanisms under CSP | The CSP provides for ministerial-level coordination, including participation by foreign ministers, to regularly review progress. |
| India’s other Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships | India currently maintains Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with Russia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. |