Tashkent, Aug. 28 -- India and Uzbekistan are expected to explore the possibility of long-term supply arrangements for critical minerals, alongside discussions on trade, investment, connectivity, energy, defence and wider strategic cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming state visit to Uzbekistan, Indian Ambassador Smita Pant said on Friday.

Speaking to ANI ahead of PM Modi's two-day state visit from August 29 to 30, Pant said that critical minerals and energy cooperation were "very, very important" for both countries, particularly given Uzbekistan's resource base and India's growing requirements.

"Uzbekistan is a resource-rich nation, and our requirements of critical minerals are huge. So, I think both sides will als...