Forging strategic bridges: Check PM Modi's agenda for 4-day Central Asia visit, from Tashkent talks to SCO Summit in Bishkek

As the Kyrgyz capital gears up to host the milestone 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit from August 31 to September 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Saturday for a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, underlining India's continued participation in the multilateral bloc since becoming a full member in 2017. In his departure statement, Modi indicated that the visit would centre on reinforcing India's strategic partnerships across Central Asia and expanding regional ties.

The itinerary begins with a State Visit to Uzbekistan from August 29-30 at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, marking Modi's fourth official visit to the country. During his time in Tashkent, he will hold delegation-level talks with Mirziyoyev to enhance the bilateral strategic partnership, with both leaders expected to evaluate cooperation across trade, investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, education and people-to-people relations, and set the framework for future engagement.

Also read: Looking to advance India's vision for region free from terror: PM Modi ahead of SCO Summit, State Visit to Uzbekistan


"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," Modi said. He will also visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, describing the visit as a tribute to the close cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

From Tashkent, Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th SCO Summit, marking the organisation's 25th anniversary. India's key priorities at the summit revolve around security, connectivity and the historical ties linking the Eurasian landmass. On the security front, New Delhi is expected to reinforce its call for unified multilateral action against terrorism, radicalisation and external threats, with Modi having pressed member states at previous summits to discard double standards and ensure accountability for entities backing or funding terrorism.

"I look forward to advancing the 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," Modi said.

On the connectivity front, practical progress on regional transport and commerce routes across Central Asia remains a core objective, alongside trade, investment, technological collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges including heritage dialogues and youth initiatives.

Also read: PM Modi to begin 2-nation Central Asia visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

Ahead of the visit, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, outlined India's approach, saying, "India's priorities in SCO are based on a secure SCO. During the Prime Minister's address at the 2018 summit, we have seen what secure stands for: Security, Economy and trade, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and Environment." Beyond formal sessions with Zhaparov and fellow SCO leaders, Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.

The summit brings together leaders of the 10-member bloc, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, four Central Asian nations and Belarus, along with 15 dialogue partners and two observer countries, Afghanistan and Mongolia. Modi expressed confidence that the visit would deepen India's civilisational connect with the region and advance the shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity, reflecting New Delhi's preference for a multipolar, cooperative Eurasian architecture.