NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will set off on a four-day diplomacy tour to Central Asia from August 29 to September 1, visiting Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. The high-stakes itinerary focuses on strengthening strategic and economic partnerships in the region and participating in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.
The Prime Minister’s tour will begin in Tashkent for a bilateral state visit at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Marking PM Modi’s fourth visit to the nation, delegation-level talks will focus on expanding trade, critical minerals, defense, healthcare, space, and digital connectivity.
The leaders will align perspectives on their respective long-term development roadmaps—Viksit Bharat 2047 and Uzbekistan-2030. Beyond commercial engagements, Modi will visit the Shastri Memorial—paying homage to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri—and tour the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
On August 31, the Prime Minister will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for the two-day SCO Summit convened by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. The gathering marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the SCO, of which India has been a full member since 2017. Addressing member states, PM Modi will reiterate India’s strategic focus on the core pillars of security, connectivity, and economic opportunity.
A major highlight on the sidelines of the summit will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Confirmed by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West) Sibi George, the dialogue will review the full spectrum of India-Russia bilateral cooperation following recent high-level inter-governmental commission meetings in Moscow.
In addition to formal summit sessions, PM Modi is scheduled to join regional leaders at the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, celebrating Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage.
