Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Uzbekistan on Saturday for a two-day state visit aimed at giving fresh momentum to India's strategic partnership with the Central Asian nation.
Modi was received at Tashkent-Humo International Airport by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour. The visit is being held at Mirziyoyev's invitation and marks Modi's fourth visit to Uzbekistan.
The main diplomatic engagements are scheduled for August 30, when Modi and Mirziyoyev will hold delegation-level discussions on strengthening bilateral relations.
Trade, defence and energy on the agenda
The talks are expected to cover a broad range of areas, including trade and investment, defence cooperation, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people relations. Both sides are also expected to discuss ways to advance their respective development visions — Viksit Bharat 2047 and Uzbekistan-2030.
The two countries are also looking to expand cooperation in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, renewable energy, critical minerals and other emerging areas.
Modi pays tribute at Independence Monument
Following his arrival, Modi visited Yangi Uzbekistan Park in Tashkent and laid a wreath at the Independence Monument. President Mirziyoyev accompanied him during the visit.
Modi is also expected to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, highlighting the longstanding cultural and people-to-people links between India and Uzbekistan.
Next stop: Kyrgyzstan for SCO Summit
After concluding his Uzbekistan visit on August 30, Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit from August 31 to September 1.
The summit marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO. India has been a full member of the organisation since 2017. Modi is expected to highlight India's priorities of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity and hold bilateral meetings with other participating leaders.
The four-day Central Asia tour is being seen as an important diplomatic effort to deepen India's engagement with the region and strengthen strategic and economic partnerships.
