PM Modi Begins 4-Day Central Asia Tour: What’s Behind His Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan Visit?
New Delhi, August 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, with the tour aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and deepening its civilisational ties with the region.
The Prime Minister will first travel to Tashkent, where he will spend two days at the invitation of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Trade, defence and energy among key areas
In his departure statement, PM Modi said the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership has made significant progress in recent years.
His talks with President Mirziyoyev are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy.
The discussions are also expected to cover the two countries’ shared development priorities and their broader partnership.
PM Modi to visit Shastri Memorial and Gandhi Centre
During his stay in Tashkent, PM Modi will visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
The Prime Minister described these engagements as a tribute to the close cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan.
This will be PM Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan. He previously visited the country in 2015 and travelled there again in 2016 and 2022 in connection with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation engagements.
From Tashkent to Bishkek
After Uzbekistan, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov.
The main focus there will be the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, being held as the organisation marks 25 years.
India has been an active member of the SCO since 2017. PM Modi said India would continue to advance its vision for the region based on Security, Connectivity and Opportunity.
Terrorism and regional security in focus
Regional security is expected to remain an important issue during the SCO discussions.
PM Modi said India wants to work with SCO members towards a region free from the threats posed by terrorism, separatism and extremism, which continue to affect peace and stability in the wider neighbourhood.
The Prime Minister is also expected to meet President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
PM Modi to attend World Nomad Games opening
During his Kyrgyzstan visit, PM Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.
He described the event as a celebration of Central Asia’s rich living heritage, which India respects deeply.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen India’s strategic partnerships across Central Asia, deepen its civilisational connection with the region and advance the shared goals of peace, stability and prosperity.
