PM Modi Begins Central Asia Visit With Two-Day Uzbekistan Trip

29 Aug 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his four-day Central Asian tour on Saturday by departing for Uzbekistan.

PM Modi will spend two days in Tashkent following an invitation from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The two leaders will examine ways to expand bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy. Their discussions will cover opportunities to advance India’s Viksit Bharat vision alongside Uzbekistan’s Yangi Uzbekistan development agenda.

PM Modi will visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies during his stay. These engagements will showcase the longstanding cultural links and people-to-people connections between India and Uzbekistan.

The visit represents PM Modi’s fourth trip to Uzbekistan, following his earlier journeys to the country in 2015, 2016 and 2022, including visits for SCO-related engagements.

India and Uzbekistan have developed extensive cooperation through bilateral and multilateral platforms over the years.

Uzbek President Mirziyoyev travelled to India for a State Visit in 2018 and later attended the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2019.

After concluding his Uzbekistan programme, PM Modi will head to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The Prime Minister will attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which will mark the organisation’s 25th anniversary.

India has played an active role in the SCO since joining the organisation in 2017, and PM Modi will promote India’s regional approach based on security, connectivity and opportunity. He will hold meetings with President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders during the summit.

PM Modi will attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, which celebrates Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage.

The Prime Minister said the visit would help India deepen its civilisational relationship with Central Asia. He said it would also promote peace, stability and prosperity across the region.