Uzbekistan has introduced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens, opening a new chapter in travel and tourism ties between the two countries.

The announcement was made by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent, as part of the Prime Minister's two-day State visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to August 30. President Mirziyoyev said the new visa-free arrangement will support stronger people-to-people connections while encouraging tourism and business exchanges between India and Uzbekistan.

"India is our reliable strategic partner. Last year, our bilateral trade exceeded USD 1 billion for the first time. In recent years, the number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold. There are now 14 direct flights between our countries every week," Mirziyoyev said.

The Uzbek President also highlighted the growing economic and cultural links between the two countries. Bilateral trade has crossed USD 1 billion, while the number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold in recent years. There are currently 14 direct flights between India and Uzbekistan every week, supporting connectivity between the two markets. The new visa-free regime is expected to make travel easier for Indian visitors and could provide further momentum to Uzbekistan's tourism sector. It is also expected to support business travel and wider exchanges between people from both countries.

During the talks, Mirziyoyev pointed to the contribution of cultural institutions such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri Center for Indian Culture and the Mahatma Gandhi Center for Indian Studies in strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties. Yoga has also gained popularity in Uzbekistan, with a dedicated Yoga Federation operating in the country since 2018.

The Uzbek President added, "Visa-free regime for Indian citizens will make a significant contribution to the development of people-to-people contacts, tourism, and business exchanges."

India and Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations on March 18, 1992, when a protocol establishing diplomatic ties was signed in Tashkent. India was among the first countries to recognise Uzbekistan's sovereignty following its independence. The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2011 and is supported by institutional mechanisms that enable regular engagement at political and official levels.

Prime Minister Modi's latest visit follows his earlier visit to Uzbekistan in 2015, along with his visits in 2016 and 2022 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summits. The relationship has also seen high-level exchanges, including President Mirziyoyev's State Visit to India in 2018 and his participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2019.

Following his visit to Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the 26th SCO Summit, marking 25 years of the organisation. The new 30-day visa-free arrangement is expected to make travel between India and Uzbekistan more convenient while opening further opportunities for tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.