Modi’s Central Asia Tour: Boosting India’s Ties with Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a four-day diplomatic visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on August 29, 2026, aiming to bolster India’s strategic, economic, and cultural relationships across Central Asia.

Uzbekistan: Bilateral Engagements and Shared Visions

The Prime Minister’s initial stop is Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for a two-day bilateral visit at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Discussions are set to expand cooperation across several vital sectors.

• Trade and investment are key focus areas to boost economic exchange.
• Digital connectivity, defence, and energy are also on the agenda for deeper collaboration.
• Talks will cover critical minerals, healthcare, and education to foster comprehensive partnerships.

This visit will align India’s Viksit Bharat vision with Uzbekistan’s Yangi Uzbekistan agenda, underscoring a shared commitment to economic growth. Modi’s engagement in Uzbekistan marks his fourth visit to the nation.

During his time in Tashkent, Modi is scheduled to visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. These visits highlight the enduring cultural and people-to-people connections between India and Uzbekistan.

Kyrgyzstan: SCO Summit and Regional Stability

Following his engagements in Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, at President Sadyr Japarov’s invitation. There, he will participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

At the summit, India is expected to promote a regional vision centered on three core principles.

• Security, to address shared threats and ensure regional peace.
• Connectivity, to enhance infrastructure and logistical links across member states.
• Opportunity, to foster economic growth and development through collaboration.

Modi will emphasize the necessity for cooperation against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, aligning with India’s long-standing stance on regional security. He is also slated to attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, celebrating Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage.

India became a full member of the SCO in 2017, and this visit reaffirms its commitment to Central Asian partnerships. The overarching goal is to advance shared objectives of regional stability and economic growth through multilateral engagement.