New Delhi: Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov has begun a four-day visit to India as New Delhi seeks to deepen its strategic partnership with one of Central Asia's key nations through enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, energy and regional security.The visit underscores India's renewed focus on Central Asia, a region of growing geopolitical and economic significance that serves as a vital link between Europe and Asia. During his stay, Saidov is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu, hold comprehensive bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House, and participate in an India-Uzbekistan Business Forum. The discussions are expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including political cooperation, economic engagement, regional connectivity and security.India and Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations in 1992 and elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2011. The two countries have since maintained regular high-level exchanges, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev last meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin in September 2025.While political relations have continued to strengthen, both countries see significant untapped potential in economic cooperation. Bilateral trade currently stands at around $756.6 million, with India ranking among Uzbekistan's top ten trading partners.India's major exports to Uzbekistan include pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, automobile components, optical instruments, mobile phones and frozen buffalo meat, while imports from Uzbekistan comprise fresh fruits and vegetables, fertilisers, fruit juices and lubricants.Economic ties received a further boost in May this year when the two countries signed a bilateral market access protocol to support Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The agreement is expected to facilitate greater market access and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.With trade, connectivity and strategic cooperation dominating the agenda, Saidov's visit is expected to reinforce India's expanding engagement with Central Asia and open new avenues for collaboration across sectors.