Uzbekistan is making travel easier for one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound tourism markets, announcing a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the move during delegation-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent on 30 August, during Modi’s two-day state visit to the Central Asian country. The new regime will allow Indian passport holders to visit Uzbekistan without obtaining a visa for stays of up to 30 days, with the initiative aimed at strengthening tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The visa move comes amid expanding connectivity between India and Uzbekistan. There are currently 14 direct flights between the two countries every week, according to Mirziyoyev, providing a growing foundation for leisure and business travel. The easier entry regime could further strengthen Uzbekistan’s appeal among Indian travellers looking beyond more established short-haul international destinations and towards Central Asia.
Uzbekistan combines Silk Road history, Islamic architecture, UNESCO-listed heritage and a distinctive Central Asian food culture, while its relatively compact tourism circuit makes it possible to combine several of its best-known destinations in one trip. The visa announcement also comes against a backdrop of growing economic links. Bilateral trade between India and Uzbekistan surpassed US$1 billion for the first time last year, while the number of joint ventures between the two countries has increased sevenfold in recent years. Mirziyoyev described India as a “reliable strategic partner” during the talks.
The announcement is also part of broader efforts to strengthen cultural connections between India and Uzbekistan. Mirziyoyev highlighted institutions including the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Indian Studies, which have helped build cultural and academic links between the two countries.
Yoga has also developed a following in Uzbekistan. A dedicated Yoga Federation has operated in the country since 2018, while a nationwide Yoga Festival was held in June 2026. India and Uzbekistan formally established diplomatic relations in March 1992, and the relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2011.
Modi’s latest visit follows previous trips to Uzbekistan in 2015 and for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summits in 2016 and 2022. Following his visit to Tashkent, the Indian Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit.
