There is good news for Indian tourists and business travelers. Uzbekistan has announced 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens.
The announcement was made by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to the country from August 29 to 30.
President Mirziyoyev said the move will strengthen ties between the people of both countries and boost tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.
During talks in Tashkent, he also described India as a trusted strategic partner of Uzbekistan.
Travel Between the Two Countries Will Become Easier
The new visa-free policy is expected to make travel much simpler for Indians. At present, 14 direct flights operate every week between India
and Uzbekistan, making the country more accessible for tourists and business travelers.
The President also highlighted that trade between the two countries crossed $1 billion for the first time last year.
He added that the number of joint business ventures has increased nearly seven times in recent years, showing stronger economic cooperation.
Strong Cultural and Diplomatic Relations
India and Uzbekistan share close cultural ties as well. The Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture
and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Indian Studies in Tashkent continue to promote Indian culture in the country.
Yoga is also becoming increasingly popular in Uzbekistan. The country has had a dedicated Yoga Federation since 2018, and a nationwide Yoga Festival was held earlier this year.
India and Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations on March 18, 1992, soon after Uzbekistan gained independence.
Their relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2011, and cooperation has continued to grow in trade, politics, and culture.
Prime Minister Modi has previously visited Uzbekistan in 2015, 2016, and 2022, while President Mirziyoyev paid a state visit to India in 2018.
What It Means for Indian Travelers
The 30-day visa-free entry is expected to encourage more Indians to visit Uzbekistan for holidays, business trips, and cultural experiences.
The country is well known for its historic cities, beautiful architecture, and rich Silk Road heritage.
After completing his visit to Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which is being held to mark the organisation’s 25th anniversary.
The new visa-free policy is being seen as a major step in strengthening India-Uzbekistan relations and is expected to benefit tourism, business, and people-to-people connections in the coming years.
