PM Modi begins Central Asia tour to strengthen India's strategic partnerships
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Saturday for a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, where he will attend the SCO Summit and the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games.
PM Modi begins Central Asia tour to strengthen India's strategic partnerships
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Saturday for a four-day diplomatic mission to Central Asia, aiming to deepen India's strategic partnerships with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan through high-level bilateral talks and multilateral engagement.
The Prime Minister will first visit Tashkent for two days at the invitation of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has led the country since December 2016 and was re-elected in October 2021. Modi will then travel to Bishkek to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, scheduled for August 31 and September 1, with the Council of Heads of State plenary meeting set for September 1.
Economic Partnership Takes Center Stage
In his departure statement, Modi emphasized the growing economic ties between India and Uzbekistan, noting that their Strategic Partnership has seen significant advancement in recent years. Bilateral trade reached $1.3 billion in 2025, representing growth of more than 33 percent over the previous year. The two nations have agreed to work towards doubling this trade volume over the next three years, following discussions at their 14th Intergovernmental Commission meeting in June 2026.
Modi indicated he will discuss deepening cooperation across multiple sectors with President Mirziyoyev, including trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, and energy. The talks will also focus on advancing the shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan.
Cultural and Educational Engagement
During his Tashkent visit, the Prime Minister will pay tribute to India-Uzbekistan ties by visiting the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. Modi described these stops as recognition of the close cultural and people-to-people connections binding the two nations together.
This marks Modi's fourth visit to Uzbekistan, following trips in 2015, 2016, and 2022 for SCO Summits. President Mirziyoyev has reciprocated with a State Visit to India in 2018 and participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2019.
SCO Summit and Regional Security
In Bishkek, Modi will join leaders from the expanded 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which now includes India and Pakistan since 2017, Iran since 2023, and Belarus since 2024. The summit marks 25 years of the organisation and represents Kyrgyzstan's third time hosting the gathering in its history.
The summit is expected to adopt the Bishkek Declaration and other key documents addressing security, trade, connectivity, energy, and digital cooperation. Modi stated that India has been an active and constructive SCO member since 2017 and looks forward to advancing India's vision for the region, anchored in security, connectivity, and opportunity.
I look forward 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.
World Nomad Games Opening
Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena Stadium on August 31. The week-long event, running through September 6 with main competitions at Lake Issyk-Kul, is expected to draw delegations from 89 countries. Modi described the Games as a celebration of Central Asia's rich living heritage that India holds in deep respect.
President Sadyr Japarov, who has served as Kyrgyzstan's leader since January 2021, extended the invitation for both the SCO Summit and the cultural event.
Modi expressed confidence that the visit will strengthen India's strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen civilisational connections with the region, and advance shared goals of peace, stability, and prosperity.
