Modi visits Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to boost Central Asian ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, aiming to bolster India's strategic alliances and engagement across Central Asia. The visit underscores India's growing diplomatic and economic interests in a region of increasing geopolitical importance.

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In recent years, India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership has seen significant advancement. 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.

In Tashkent, Modi's first stop, he will hold bilateral talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, digital connectivity, defense, and energy. Modi also plans to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, highlighting the deep cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan.

This marks Modi's fourth visit to Uzbekistan, reflecting a consistent effort to deepen bilateral relations. Previous engagements, including President Mirziyoyev's state visit to India and his participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, have paved the way for sustained cooperation. India views its partnership with Uzbekistan as crucial for advancing its vision of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and 'Yangi Uzbekistan' (New Uzbekistan).

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a tribute to the close cultural and people-to-people ties connecting both countries.

Following his engagements in Uzbekistan, Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. India, an active member of the SCO since 2017, aims to promote its vision for the region, emphasizing security, connectivity, and opportunity. Modi expressed his commitment to working with fellow member states to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which pose threats to regional peace and stability.

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India has been an active and constructive 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.

The Prime Minister also looks forward to meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and other SCO leaders. A highlight of the visit will be his attendance at the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, a celebration of Central Asia's rich cultural heritage, which India holds in high regard. Modi expressed confidence that the visit will strengthen India's strategic partnerships, deepen civilizational connections, and advance shared goals of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

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I also look forward to meeting President Japarov and other SCO leaders, and to attending the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, a celebration of the rich living heritage of Central Asia that India holds in deep respect.