PM Modi Embarks on Central Asia Tour to Strengthen Strategic Ties and Address SCO Agenda

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Saturday for a high-stakes four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, a trip aimed at bolstering India’s strategic footprint in Central Asia and reinforcing regional cooperation on security and economic prosperity.

In his departure statement, the Prime Minister emphasized that the tour is designed to advance the shared pursuit of peace and stability. Highlighting India’s commitment to the region, he stated, “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.”

A Strategic Visit to Uzbekistan

The first leg of the Prime Minister’s journey will be a State Visit to Tashkent on August 29-30 at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The bilateral relationship between the two nations has matured significantly in recent years, evolving into a robust strategic partnership.

PM Modi is scheduled to hold extensive talks with President Mirziyoyev, focusing on diversifying cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, digital connectivity, energy, and defense. The discussions are also expected to align the two nations’ long-term development goals—India’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and the ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’ (New Uzbekistan) initiative. To honor the deep cultural bonds between the two nations, the Prime Minister will visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.

Focus on the SCO Summit in Bishkek

Following his visit to Uzbekistan, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic, to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. This year holds particular significance as it marks the 25th anniversary of the organization, of which India has been a proactive and constructive member since 2017.

As the Prime Minister prepares to engage with fellow SCO leaders, his agenda remains firm on regional security. He has been vocal about his commitment to advancing India’s vision for the region, which hinges on the trio of security, connectivity, and opportunity.

In addition to his address at the summit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines to discuss pressing regional issues. During his stay in Bishkek, he will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, an event celebrating the rich, living heritage of Central Asia—a culture for which India maintains deep respect.

As the international community watches, this tour is being viewed as a significant move by New Delhi to consolidate its influence in the heart of Eurasia, aiming to foster an environment where economic growth and collective security can flourish in tandem.