PM Modi's Central Asia Mission: Bilateral Boost & SCO Summit Focus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a significant four-day diplomatic visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The tour began in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, where PM Modi arrived to hold extensive delegation-level talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The primary objective of these discussions is to further solidify the strategic partnership between India and Uzbekistan, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, digital connectivity, defence, and energy sectors. The Prime Minister also highlighted their shared visions for 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Yangi Uzbekistan'.

During his stay in Tashkent, PM Modi is also scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.

These visits serve as a tribute to the enduring cultural and people-to-people connections that bind the two nations.

Following his engagements in Uzbekistan, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. India, an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017, looks forward to advancing its vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity.

A key focus at the summit will be collaborative efforts with fellow members to combat the persistent threats of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which continue to undermine peace and stability in the region.

A highly anticipated highlight of the SCO Summit will be a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 31. This bilateral discussion is expected to further strengthen ties between India and Russia, with talks potentially continuing at future summits, including BRICS.

In Bishkek, PM Modi will also meet with Kyrgyz President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders, and attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.

Notably, on his flight to Central Asia, PM Modi's official aircraft opted to avoid Pakistani airspace, instead flying a longer route over Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China. This alternative flight path over China is being interpreted by observers as a gesture of trust between India and China, particularly ahead of the upcoming SCO and BRICS summits.

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