Uzbekistan and India Strengthen Tourism Partnership with New Cultural and Travel Initiatives

Uzbekistan and India are taking significant steps to strengthen their tourism relationship through new cultural partnerships, creative industry collaborations, and initiatives designed to attract more Indian visitors to Uzbekistan. The latest developments follow a meeting between Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee, and Ritu Beri, India's Ambassador for Tourism and Culture, during which both sides discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation. Expanding Tourism and Cultural Cooperation The discussions highlighted several promising areas for collaboration, including tourism promotion, traditional handicrafts, fashion, design, cultural activities, and creative industries. Both countries expressed interest in developing projects that showcase Uzbekistan's cultural heritage and growing appeal as an international travel destination. A key priority is increasing awareness of Uzbekistan among Indian travelers while creating new opportunities for professionals and businesses operating in the tourism and creative sectors. New Visa-Free Travel Opportunities for Indian Citizens Recent changes to Uzbekistan's entry regulations are expected to support tourism growth between the two countries. Since September 1, 2026, eligible Indian passport holders have been permitted to visit Uzbekistan without obtaining a separate Uzbek visa for stays of up to 30 days. This arrangement applies to Indian citizens who possess a valid multiple-entry business or tourist visa issued by certain qualifying countries and hold an onward or return flight ticket. The policy provides additional travel flexibility for eligible Indian visitors and could encourage more leisure trips, cultural exchanges, and tourism-related activities. Travelers should verify the applicable visa eligibility requirements before making their arrangements. Fashion, Design and Creative Industries in Focus Another major topic was the potential for Uzbekistan to benefit from India's established expertise in fashion, design, and creative production. Officials discussed organizing a familiarization trip to Uzbekistan for Indian fashion designers, industry professionals, and representatives of specialized media organizations. Such visits would allow participants to explore Uzbekistan's cultural traditions, historical attractions, craftsmanship, and opportunities for creative cooperation. The two sides also considered launching joint promotional campaigns involving influential designers, media personalities, and cultural organizations to strengthen Uzbekistan's visibility in the Indian market. Indian Film Productions and Wedding Tourism Beyond conventional tourism promotion, Uzbekistan and India are exploring opportunities in two additional sectors: destination weddings and filmmaking. Proposed initiatives include inviting leading representatives of India's wedding industry to Uzbekistan to explore its potential as a destination for international wedding celebrations. The countries also discussed cooperating on the production of an Indian film in Uzbekistan. These projects could introduce Uzbekistan's landscapes, architectural landmarks, and cultural attractions to broader Indian audiences while supporting tourism-related businesses. A Roadmap for Future Cooperation At the conclusion of the meeting, representatives from both countries agreed to continue developing practical joint initiatives and prepare a dedicated cooperation roadmap. The roadmap will provide a framework for coordinating upcoming tourism, cultural, and creative industry projects. With improved travel opportunities and growing cooperation across multiple sectors, Uzbekistan and India are working toward stronger tourism connections and greater cultural engagement in the coming years. Source: Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA), October 7, 2026.