India Eyes New Hydropower Projects in Uzbekistan

India is exploring opportunities to participate in Uzbekistan’s hydropower sector, with discussions focusing on investment, technology transfer and project development. The cooperation could expand bilateral energy ties while supporting Uzbekistan’s efforts to increase renewable power generation and modernise its energy infrastructure.

India is looking for avenues for hydropower projects in Uzbekistan, and the two nations are discussing cooperation in the fields of investment, technology and project development. The cooperation could help to enhance bilateral energy relations, as well as to promote Uzbekistan's transition to more renewable power generation and modernising power infrastructure.

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These were held at the meeting of India's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Santosh Jha with Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov. The two sides discussed possible cooperation in the energy field and hydropower proved to be an area of potential collaboration.

To diversify the energy mix, expand the share of renewable energy resources, and enhance energy security in the country, Uzbekistan is aiming to boost the role of renewables in electricity generation. The addition of hydropower is expected to help complement the growing solar and wind power projects in the country and will also offer a more stable source of electricity generation.

Development of hydropower in Uzbekistan may provide India with opportunities for Indian companies and engineering firms to offer their expertise, equipment, and project-management skills. A higher degree of private sector participation could bring business-to-business investment partnerships into being.

The cooperation, which is presented as a development opportunity, follows other areas of cooperation in the energy, mining, infrastructure and technology sectors between India and Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is currently hoping to attract more foreign investment to promote its natural resources and modernise some of its industrial industries, while India is trying to strengthen its commercial relations with the economies of Central Asia.

Hydropower cooperation could also contribute to the broader diversification of Uzbekistan's energy infrastructure. Investment in modern generation and transmission facilities would help the country respond to rising electricity demand while supporting its longer-term transition towards cleaner energy sources.

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The discussions underline the growing importance of renewable energy cooperation between India and Central Asia. Both countries have an interest in developing resilient energy systems and increasing the use of cleaner technologies, creating scope for cooperation in project financing, engineering, equipment supply and technical expertise.

If the proposed cooperation progresses, Indian participation in Uzbekistan's hydropower sector could provide a new avenue for bilateral investment while supporting the Central Asian country's renewable-energy ambitions. It could also strengthen India's economic presence in Uzbekistan and create opportunities for technology and knowledge transfer between the two markets.