PM Modi’s Central Asia Push: Uzbekistan Talks and SCO Summit Ahead

New Delhi, August 27, 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake a significant four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic from August 29 to September 1, with the tour focused on strengthening India’s strategic engagement with Central Asia. The visit will combine bilateral discussions, regional diplomacy and cultural engagement, as the Prime Minister meets key leaders and participates in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. PM Modi will begin his visit with a State Visit to Uzbekistan on August 29-30 at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This will be his fourth visit to Uzbekistan. During his stay in Tashkent, the Prime Minister will hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev, with the discussions aimed at further expanding the strategic partnership between India and Uzbekistan. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders would review cooperation in trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people domains and set the agenda for the road ahead. They will also share perspectives on advancing the shared developmental visions of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Uzbekistan-2030. PM Modi is also expected to visit the Shastri Memorial in Tashkent and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. After completing his Uzbekistan visit, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th SCO Summit from August 31 to September 1. The Summit will mark the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, of which India has been a full member since 2017. PM Modi will address the gathering and highlight India’s priorities of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity at the forum. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with other SCO leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. During his stay in Kyrgyzstan, the Prime Minister will additionally attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games. The event will highlight the diverse cultural traditions and heritage of Central Asia while creating another avenue for cultural exchange and stronger people-to-people ties. Overall, the visit is expected to reinforce India’s growing engagement with the Central Asian region through deeper strategic cooperation, regional dialogue and cultural connectivity.