India and Uzbekistan should aim to double bilateral trade in the next three years, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said at the India-Uzbekistan Business Forum in New Delhi. He said two-way commerce stood at United States dollar (USD) 1.5 bn and that trade must lead efforts to boost broader economic ties. He urged businesses on both sides to increase investment in each other's economies and to pursue closer commercial cooperation. The remarks framed an agenda focused on practical measures to expand market access and investment flows. Goyal highlighted India's strengths in information technology, a skilled workforce and digital public infrastructure, and noted that Uzbekistan offers opportunities in mining and cotton production. He said that negotiating a free trade agreement would be a promising idea to be explored by both governments. He also emphasised sectors such as pharmaceuticals and healthcare where collaboration could be intensified. The minister set a policy tone that prioritises trade facilitation and targeted investment promotion. Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, said current bilateral trade is far below potential and urged both sides to work to push it up. He noted that about 400 Indian companies are operational in Uzbekistan and sought further Indian investment in steel, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, mining and the automotive sector. His comments indicated a willingness to host greater Indian participation in key industrial projects. Officials from both governments discussed mechanisms to remove barriers and accelerate project implementation. Stakeholders at the forum indicated that coordinated business delegations, investment facilitation measures and technology partnerships could help achieve the target within the proposed timeline. Emphasis was placed on practical agreements, capacity building and enhanced connectivity to unlock new trade corridors. Industry representatives were invited to identify concrete projects that can be advanced with government support. The shared objective is to translate diplomatic goodwill into measurable trade and investment outcomes over the next three years.