Strengthening Ties: Sports as a Bridge Between India and Uzbekistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the importance of sports in enhancing cooperation between India and Uzbekistan. With the World Chess Championship featuring D Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov on the horizon, traditional sports like Kurash and Kabaddi are also set to play a significant role in this partnership. Modi's recent visit marks a pivotal moment in the diplomatic ties established in 1992, showcasing the potential for deeper engagement through sports and cultural exchanges. As both nations prepare for significant events, the future of their relationship looks promising.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2026, 10:45 IST

Sports: A New Dimension in Cooperation

During a recent press conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the growing role of sports in fostering collaboration between India and Uzbekistan. He highlighted the upcoming World Chess Championship match featuring reigning champion D Gukesh and Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov, noting that traditional sports like Kurash and Kabaddi could inject 'new energy' into the partnership between the two nations.

PM Modi remarked, 'Sports are becoming a vital aspect of our cooperation. Last year, the 20-year-old Uzbek Grandmaster Sindarov triumphed at the World Cup held in Goa. Now, he is set to compete against India's 20-year-old chess prodigy, Gukesh, in November. The world will undoubtedly focus on this match as these two young talents face off.'

This championship will showcase two of the youngest stars in the chess world. Sindarov earned his spot in the title match by winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament in April, remaining unbeaten throughout the event and securing his victory with a draw against Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri in the 13th round.

Gukesh made history in December 2024 by becoming the youngest world chess champion at just 18 years old, defeating China's Ding Liren in Singapore. The World Chess Championship is set to take place in Switzerland from November 24 to December 12 this year.

PM Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Uzbekistan as it prepares to host the Chess Olympiad starting September 15. He expressed optimism that the two nations could enhance their sporting ties through traditional sports, stating, 'I wish the best for the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand next month. In the future, traditional sports like Kurash and Kabaddi will bring new vitality to our sporting collaboration.'

Kurash, a traditional form of wrestling from Uzbekistan, and Kabaddi, a popular Indian team sport, have emerged as cultural links that strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Deepening Strategic Partnership

India and Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations on March 18, 1992, with a protocol signed in Tashkent. India was among the first nations to recognize Uzbekistan's independence.

In 2011, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, supported by institutional frameworks for ongoing political and official engagement.

PM Modi's current two-day state visit, from August 29 to August 31, marks his first trip to Uzbekistan since 2015. He previously visited in 2016 and 2022 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summits.

The bilateral relationship has been further strengthened through high-level exchanges, including Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's visit to India in 2018 and his participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2019.

After his visit to Tashkent, PM Modi will head to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th SCO Summit, commemorating 25 years of the organization.