PM Modi embarks on four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic for bilateral talks and SCO summit
Quick Look
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic on Saturday, holding bilateral talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent before attending the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, where leaders including Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are expected.
- The visit focuses on strengthening strategic partnerships in Central Asia across trade, investment, defence, energy, and people-to-people ties.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
India has been a full and active member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation since 2017. The SCO focuses on regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural engagement among its member states, which include India, Pakistan, China, Russia, and Central Asian nations. Modi's visit marks his fourth trip to Uzbekistan, reflecting sustained diplomatic engagement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he boards the flight for Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in New Delhi
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, during which he will hold bilateral talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. PM Modi will be on a State Visit to Uzbekistan on August 29-30 at the invitation of Mirziyoyev before travelling to Bishkek for the SCO summit on August 31 and September 1. In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said the visit would focus on strengthening India's strategic partnerships in Central Asia and deepening its ties with the region.
Talks with Mirziyoyev in Tashkent
During his visit to Tashkent, PM Modi will hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev to further strengthen the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership. The two leaders will review cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, education and people-to-people ties, and set the agenda for future engagement. “I look forward to my discussions with President Mirziyoyev on further deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, and on advancing our shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan,” PM Modi said. This will be PM Modi's fourth visit to Uzbekistan. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. PM Modi described the two visits as a tribute to the “close cultural and people-to-people ties” between India and Uzbekistan.
PM Modi to visit Bishkek for SCO summit
From Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th SCO Summit, which marks 25 years of the organisation. India has been a full and active member of the SCO since 2017. “I look forward to advancing India’s vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism, which continue to threaten peace and stability in our neighbourhood and beyond,” PM Modi said. The Prime Minister is expected to meet President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders and will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.
Putin, Xi among leaders expected at summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are among the leaders expected to attend the two-day SCO summit in Bishkek. The summit will bring together leaders of the 10-member grouping, which includes Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, four Central Asian countries and Belarus.
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are also expected to participate in the plenary session. The SCO, which was founded with a focus on regional and economic cooperation, now has 15 dialogue partners and two observer countries, Afghanistan and Mongolia. PM Modi said he was confident that his visit would “strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen our civilisational connect with the region, and advance our shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.”
End of Article
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Modi and Mirziyoyev will sign agreements to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, defence, and energy during the Uzbekistan leg of the visit.
Likely · Within days
The SCO summit will adopt joint statements or initiatives focused on regional security, connectivity, and counter-terrorism efforts.
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What specific agreements or outcomes will emerge from the bilateral talks between Modi and Mirziyoyev?
- Will Modi hold separate bilateral meetings with Putin and Xi on the sidelines of the SCO summit?
- How will the SCO address ongoing regional security challenges, particularly regarding terrorism and extremism?
