📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Narendra Modi
International
PM Modi launches four‑day Central Asia tour, starts with talks in Uzbekistan and SCO summit
✍️ ABP Live English
🗓 30 Aug 2026, 08:37 AM
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a four‑day visit to Central Asia, with his first stop in Uzbekistan to discuss bilateral issues and to prepare for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi set off on a four‑day diplomatic tour of Central Asia, marking the first Indian head of government to undertake such an extensive visit to the region in recent years. His itinerary opens in Tashkent, where he is scheduled to meet President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to review bilateral trade, energy cooperation and connectivity projects under the Sagarmala and Act East initiatives.
The Uzbek‑India dialogue comes at a time when both nations are keen to deepen ties in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, information technology and renewable energy. Officials say the talks will also cover the facilitation of people‑to‑people contact, including student exchanges and tourism promotion.
In parallel, Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where India seeks to advance its strategic interests alongside fellow members, focusing on regional security, counter‑terrorism and economic integration. The prime minister's presence underscores New Delhi's intent to play a more active role in the SCO framework.
The tour, scheduled to conclude after visits to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, is viewed as a cornerstone of India's broader outreach to Central Asian states, aiming to diversify energy sources and strengthen geopolitical partnerships.
The Uzbek‑India dialogue comes at a time when both nations are keen to deepen ties in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, information technology and renewable energy. Officials say the talks will also cover the facilitation of people‑to‑people contact, including student exchanges and tourism promotion.
In parallel, Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where India seeks to advance its strategic interests alongside fellow members, focusing on regional security, counter‑terrorism and economic integration. The prime minister's presence underscores New Delhi's intent to play a more active role in the SCO framework.
The tour, scheduled to conclude after visits to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, is viewed as a cornerstone of India's broader outreach to Central Asian states, aiming to diversify energy sources and strengthen geopolitical partnerships.