PM Modi heads to Central Asia for SCO summit, bilateral talks
PM Modi begins a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, aiming to deepen strategic ties and attend the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Saturday for a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, with a focus on deepening regional cooperation and advancing India's vision for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
In a departure statement, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant progress in the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership in recent years. He said he looked forward to discussions with President Mirziyoyev on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, digital connectivity, defence, and energy. The two leaders are also expected to discuss their shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan.
During his time in Tashkent, Mr. Modi will also pay tribute to the close cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations by visiting the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
From Tashkent, the Prime Minister will travel to Bishkek to participate in the 26th SCO Summit. He noted that India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017. He expressed his intention to work with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which he said continue to threaten peace and stability in the neighbourhood and beyond.
In Bishkek, Mr. Modi is scheduled to hold a meeting with President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders. He will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the visit will strengthen India's strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen civilisational connections with the region, and advance the shared pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity.