India has flagged the supply of critical minerals as a key area for enhancing energy cooperation with Uzbekistan during the 14th session of the India-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The two countries also agreed to deepen trade ties and address non-tariff barriers to double bilateral trade over the next three years, according to livemint.com.
The discussions focused on the growing demand for reliable and clean baseload power driven by India’s rapidly expanding digital economy, which includes artificial intelligence, data centres, and advanced computing. Both sides emphasized the strategic importance of energy cooperation and agreed to work towards strengthening supply chains for critical minerals essential to these sectors, the report said.
This cooperation comes amid global competition for critical minerals, which are vital for emerging technologies and clean energy solutions. India’s move to secure supply from Uzbekistan aligns with its broader energy and technology goals, reflecting a strategic approach to support its digital infrastructure growth. The agreement also aims to facilitate smoother trade by tackling non-tariff barriers, a step that could enhance economic ties between the two nations.
The next phase of cooperation will focus on implementing the agreed measures to boost trade and energy collaboration, with a target to double bilateral trade within three years, as outlined in the commission’s session. This milestone will be a key indicator of progress in India-Uzbekistan relations, according to livemint.com.