Modi Opens Central Asia Outreach With Tashkent Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with members of the Indian community during his visit to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as he begins a two-nation Central Asia tour ahead of the SCO Summit in Bishkek. (Photo: PMO)

PM’s fourth Uzbekistan visit puts trade, investment, defence and connectivity in focus ahead of SCO Summit in Bishkek

Key Highlights

• Modi begins two-nation Central Asia tour with State Visit to Uzbekistan
• Talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to cover trade, investment, defence, energy and digital connectivity
• PM to pay tribute at Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial before leaving for Bishkek
• India to underline security, connectivity and opportunity at 26th SCO Summit
• Modi says terrorism, separatism and extremism remain threats to regional peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent on Saturday, August 29, beginning a four-day diplomatic outreach to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic that combines bilateral engagement with India’s participation in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Modi on his arrival, marking the Prime Minister’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan — a frequency New Delhi sees as reflecting the growing momentum in the strategic partnership between the two countries.

“Landed in Tashkent to a warm welcome by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Grateful to him for the special gesture,” Modi said after his arrival, noting that it was his fourth visit to the Central Asian nation.

A group of Uzbek and foreign students, along with their professors from an Indian university with a campus in Tashkent, also welcomed the Prime Minister, singing “Saare Jahan Se Achha”.

Soon after his arrival, Modi laid a wreath at the Independence Monument at Yangi Uzbekistan Park, paying tribute to Uzbekistan’s history, heritage and national spirit. He later attended a dinner hosted in his honour by President Mirziyoyev.

Strategic Partnership Takes Centre Stage

On Sunday, August 30, Modi is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace. Trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people relations are among the key areas on the bilateral agenda. The two sides are also expected to discuss the way forward for strengthening their strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister will visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, highlighting the historical and cultural links between India and Uzbekistan.

Indian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Smita Pant has described the bilateral agenda as comprehensive, pointing to the sharp expansion in trade and investment ties over the past decade. Cooperation in development, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, traditional medicine, agriculture, culture and fintech is also expected to figure in the discussions.

From Tashkent, Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov for the 26th SCO Summit, being held as the organisation marks 25 years. India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017.

Modi is expected to articulate India’s regional priorities around Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, while stressing the need for concerted action against terrorism, separatism and extremism. He will also hold bilateral meetings with SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, which he described as a celebration of Central Asia’s rich living heritage.

Before leaving India, Modi said he was confident that the visit would strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen its civilisational ties with the region and advance the shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.