Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a four-day, two-nation tour to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan aimed at strengthening India’s diplomatic, economic, and security ties across Central Asia.
Key Itinerary & Highlights
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Leg 1: Tashkent, Uzbekistan (August 29–30)
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Bilateral Engagement: Delegation-level discussions with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev focusing on trade, investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, and education.
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Developmental Vision: Discussions aligning India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 framework with Yangi Uzbekistan (Uzbekistan-2030).
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Cultural Stops: Visits to the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
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Context: This is PM Modi’s fourth official visit to Uzbekistan.
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Leg 2: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (August 31 – September 1)
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26th SCO Summit: Attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit marking the grouping’s 25th anniversary.
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Core SCO Agenda: Pushing India’s regional framework anchored in Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity while emphasizing counter-terrorism, anti-separatism, and regional stability.
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Cultural Event: Participation in the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.
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Side Meetings: Scheduled bilateral talks on the sidelines, including a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Strategic Takeaways
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Central Asia Focus: Reaffirms India’s “Connect Central Asia” policy to expand trade corridors, digital infrastructure, and energy partnerships in the region.
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SCO Scope: The 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation represents over 3.4 billion people (~25% of global GDP), serving as a crucial Eurasian platform for counter-terrorism and economic collaboration.
