NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplaned on Saturday morning for a four-day diplomatic mission to Central Asia, encompassing state visits to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. The tour aims to reinforce India’s strategic footprint in the region, boost trade and connectivity, and advance a collective front against cross-border terrorism.
Before taking off, Prime Minister Modi issued a departure statement emphasizing India's core vision for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)—anchored in Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity.
"India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017," the Prime Minister stated. "I look forward to advancing India's vision for the region... and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which continue to threaten peace and stability in our neighbourhood and beyond."
First Leg: High-Level Engagements in Tashkent
The first phase of the tour brings Prime Minister Modi to Tashkent on August 29–30 for a State Visit at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. High-level delegation discussions will cover key areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investments, digital infrastructure, defence ties, and energy projects.
The leaders are also set to align India's development roadmap (Viksit Bharat) with Uzbekistan's national development program (Yangi Uzbekistan).
As part of his cultural and historical agenda in Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi will visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial to pay homage to the former Indian Prime Minister. He is also scheduled to visit the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, underscoring the deep civilisational links between the two countries.
Second Leg: 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek
On August 31, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. The core focus of this leg will be the 26th SCO Summit, marking 25 years since the founding of the regional alliance.
During the summit, PM Modi will address the assembly of regional leaders, highlighting India’s key priorities surrounding regional trade corridors, digital public infrastructure, and anti-terrorism mechanisms. Sideline bilateral meetings with several heads of state are also planned on the margins of the summit.
In addition to formal diplomatic proceedings, the Prime Minister will attend the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan—a major cultural event celebrating Central Asian nomadic heritage.
Indian diplomatic officials confirmed that the four-day visit reflects New Delhi's continued commitment to its "Extended Neighbourhood" policy, strengthening security partnerships and trade corridors across Eurasian trade routes.
