PM Modi Departs for Tashkent on Four-Day Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan Visit
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for Tashkent, beginning a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.
The Prime Minister’s visit will focus on strengthening India’s ties with Central Asia. His first stop is Tashkent, where he will meet Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Modi is visiting Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30. The visit comes at the invitation of President Mirziyoyev.
PM Modi to Hold Talks With Uzbekistan President
During his stay in Tashkent, PM Modi will hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev.
The two leaders are expected to review several areas of bilateral cooperation. These include trade, investment, defence, energy and digital connectivity.
Education and people-to-people ties are also expected to feature in the discussions. Both sides will also look at ways to further strengthen their strategic partnership.
India and Uzbekistan are seeking greater cooperation across several emerging sectors. These include healthcare, technology, pharmaceuticals and critical areas of the economy.
The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on their respective development visions. These include Viksit Bharat 2047 and Uzbekistan-2030.
PM Modi’s Fourth Visit to Uzbekistan
This will be Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan. His earlier visits took place in 2015, 2016 and 2022.
India and Uzbekistan have maintained diplomatic relations since 1992. The two countries upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership in 2011.
Trade and investment remain important areas for both countries. Defence cooperation has also developed steadily in recent years.
India and Uzbekistan conduct the DUSTLIK military exercise. The seventh edition was held in Uzbekistan in April 2026.
Modi to Travel to Bishkek for SCO Summit
After completing his Uzbekistan visit, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
There, he will attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The summit is scheduled for August 31 and September 1.
India is expected to highlight three key priorities at the forum: security, connectivity and opportunity.
The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with other SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
The 2026 SCO Summit also marks the 25th anniversary of the organisation. India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017.
Why PM Modi’s Central Asia Visit Matters
The visit comes as India seeks to deepen its engagement with Central Asia.
Connectivity, trade, energy and regional security are important parts of this engagement. Stronger ties with Uzbekistan can also open new opportunities for Indian businesses and institutions.
PM Modi’s participation in the SCO Summit will add a wider regional dimension to the trip. It will give India an opportunity to discuss security and economic cooperation with other member states.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan. The event is expected to highlight Central Asia’s cultural heritage.
Key Highlights
- PM Modi departed for Tashkent on August 29.
- He will meet Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
- Bilateral talks will cover trade, defence, energy and connectivity.
- Modi will then travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- He will attend the 26th SCO Summit.
- Security, connectivity and economic opportunities will be key themes.
- The Prime Minister will also attend the World Nomad Games opening ceremony.
The four-day visit is expected to give fresh momentum to India’s engagement with Central Asia. It also provides a platform for India to advance its strategic priorities through both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.