Prime Minister Narendra Modi left India on Saturday, August 29, for a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, beginning a major Central Asia diplomatic tour that will include bilateral talks and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit.
Modi will first visit Tashkent from August 29 to 30 for a State Visit at the invitation of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This marks Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan as India seeks to deepen its strategic partnership with the Central Asian country.
During his talks with President Mirziyoyev, the two sides are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy. The leaders will also discuss ways to advance India’s Viksit Bharat vision alongside Uzbekistan’s Yangi Uzbekistan development programme.
The Uzbekistan government said discussions would additionally cover areas including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, geology, mechanical engineering and cultural exchanges. A package of bilateral agreements is also expected to be signed following the talks.
During his stay in Tashkent, Modi is scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, highlighting the historical and cultural links between India and Uzbekistan.
After completing the Uzbekistan leg, Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he will participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit from August 31 to September 1. The summit also marks 25 years of the SCO. India has been a full member of the organisation since 2017.
Ahead of the summit, Modi said India would push its regional vision centred on Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. He also stressed cooperation among SCO countries to counter terrorism, separatism and extremism and promote regional peace and stability.
The Prime Minister is also expected to meet Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and other SCO leaders during his stay in Bishkek. He will additionally attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.
Modi said the four-day visit is aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia, expanding its civilisational links with the region and advancing cooperation on peace, stability and economic prosperity.
source – Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Supreme News Network
