Uzbekistan has announced a new 30 day visa free travel facility for Indian passport holders. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made the announcement on August 30 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tashkent, according to ANI.Mirziyoyev said the new policy is expected to strengthen connections between people in India and Uzbekistan while supporting tourism and increasing business cooperation.The Uzbek President also highlighted the growing relationship between the two countries, calling India a reliable strategic partner. He noted that bilateral trade crossed USD 1 billion for the first time last year. He also said the number of joint ventures involving the two countries has increased sevenfold in recent years.Connectivity between India and Uzbekistan has also improved, with 14 direct flights operating between the two countries every week, according to Mirziyoyev.Previously, Indian visitors generally needed to apply for an Uzbek e visa before travelling. Under the newly announced arrangement, eligible Indian travellers will be able to enter Uzbekistan without obtaining an e visa for stays of up to 30 days. However, Uzbek authorities have not yet announced the formal implementation order or the date when the new facility will officially take effect.The new travel policy could make Uzbekistan an even more attractive destination for Indian tourists. The country offers a combination of historic Silk Road cities, impressive architecture, traditional markets and a distinctive food culture.Samarkand is known for its striking turquoise buildings, while Bukhara offers historic streets and landmarks connected to its Silk Road heritage. Khiva is famous for its ancient walled city, while Tashkent combines traditional attractions with a more modern urban atmosphere.Food is another major attraction, with popular local dishes such as plov and samsa offering visitors a taste of Uzbek cuisine.Uzbekistan can also be explored on a relatively moderate travel budget. A six to eight day trip can provide enough time to experience several of the country’s major attractions, with careful planning potentially keeping the overall cost, including flights, below ₹1 lakh.