Uzbekistan on Sunday announced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens, in a move aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries through greater travel, tourism and business exchanges. The announcement came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to Uzbekistan, which is focused on deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the decision, saying the new visa arrangement would make a significant contribution to strengthening people-to-people contacts between Uzbekistan and India. Easier travel is expected to encourage more Indian visitors to Uzbekistan while also facilitating greater interaction between businesses, professionals and other groups from the two countries.
The new arrangement represents a significant easing of travel requirements for Indian citizens visiting Uzbekistan. Under the announced regime, Indian passport holders will be able to enter the Central Asian country without obtaining a visa in advance for stays of up to 30 days. The move could make Uzbekistan a more accessible destination for Indian tourists and travellers while supporting the expansion of bilateral exchanges.
Tourism is expected to be one of the sectors to benefit from the decision. Uzbekistan has sought to increase international tourism and promote its historic cities, cultural heritage and traditional links with the wider region. For Indian travellers, the removal of visa requirements could simplify trip planning and reduce administrative hurdles, potentially encouraging greater tourism flows between the two countries.
The policy could also facilitate business exchanges by making it easier for Indian entrepreneurs, investors and professionals to travel to Uzbekistan. Greater mobility can support face-to-face meetings, commercial partnerships and exploration of investment opportunities. The two countries have been seeking to expand economic engagement, and improved travel access could complement those broader efforts.
The announcement was made during Modi's state visit, which underscores the importance both governments attach to their bilateral relationship. The Prime Minister's two-day visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation and expanding ties between India and Uzbekistan. Discussions between the two sides are expected to cover areas of mutual interest as the countries seek to build on their existing relationship.
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President Mirziyoyev specifically linked the visa-free policy to stronger people-to-people relations, highlighting the role of direct interaction in developing bilateral ties. Cultural exchanges, tourism and business travel can provide additional channels for cooperation beyond government-to-government engagement.
For India, improved access to Uzbekistan also strengthens travel links with an important Central Asian partner. The two countries have maintained diplomatic and economic relations across several areas, with connectivity and commercial engagement forming part of their broader cooperation. Simplifying travel requirements can help support these links by making movement between the two countries more convenient.
The announcement therefore adds a practical dimension to Modi's visit, alongside the wider diplomatic discussions taking place during his stay. While the visa-free regime is primarily a travel measure, its potential impact extends to tourism, business and cultural exchanges. By allowing Indian citizens to visit Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without a visa, Tashkent has signalled its intention to encourage greater interaction with India.
The new regime is expected to provide Indian travellers with greater flexibility while supporting Uzbekistan's efforts to attract visitors and strengthen international partnerships. President Mirziyoyev's announcement comes at a time when India and Uzbekistan are seeking to deepen their relationship, making easier movement between their citizens an important step towards expanding people-to-people and economic ties.
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