Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tashkent for a two-day visit to Uzbekistan, with trade, investment, defence, energy and digital connectivity expected to dominate his talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent on Saturday for a two-day bilateral visit aimed at giving a fresh push to India-Uzbekistan relations. The visit is the first leg of his four-day tour of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic from August 29 to September 1.
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally received PM Modi at the airport. The Prime Minister later described the welcome as a “special gesture” and said his visit reflected the growing momentum in bilateral ties.
PM Modi’s Talks With President Mirziyoyev
During his stay in Tashkent, PM Modi is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev.
The discussions are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy. The two sides are also likely to discuss ways to further strengthen their strategic partnership and increase economic engagement.
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi said India and Uzbekistan had made significant progress in their strategic partnership in recent years. He said he looked forward to discussing ways to deepen cooperation while advancing the shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan.
Why Uzbekistan Matters To India
Uzbekistan is an important partner for India in Central Asia. New Delhi has been working to expand its economic and strategic engagement with the region, including cooperation in connectivity, security, energy and trade.
The two countries also share longstanding cultural and people-to-people ties. During his Tashkent visit, PM Modi is scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
The visits are expected to highlight the historical and cultural links between India and Uzbekistan.
Tashkent also holds a special place in India’s history. Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri died in the Uzbek capital in January 1966 after signing the Tashkent Declaration.
From Tashkent To SCO Summit
PM Modi’s Uzbekistan visit is part of a larger Central Asia engagement. After completing his two-day programme in Tashkent, he will travel to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
The Prime Minister has said India’s vision for the region is centred on security, connectivity and opportunity. He is expected to use the SCO platform to discuss regional security, economic cooperation and connectivity.
The broader visit comes as India seeks to strengthen its strategic partnerships across Central Asia. The region has gained importance for New Delhi because of its location, economic potential and role in regional security.
A Key Visit For India-Uzbekistan Ties
PM Modi’s two-day stay in Tashkent is expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to take forward their strategic partnership and identify new areas of cooperation.
With trade, investment, defence, energy and digital connectivity on the agenda, the visit could give fresh momentum to India-Uzbekistan relations while reinforcing India’s wider engagement with Central Asia.
