PM Modi Begins Central Asia Tour, Eyes Stronger Strategic Ties

New Delhi, August 29, 2016 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday began his four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, with the tour centred on strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and deepening its civilisational links with the region. His engagements are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy, while also reinforcing India’s broader regional vision. PM Modi will first travel to Tashkent for a two-day visit at the invitation of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. “In recent years, India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership has seen significant advancement. I look forward to my discussions with President Mirziyoyev on further deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, and on advancing our shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan,” PM Modi said in his departure statement. He will also visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, describing the engagements as “a tribute to the close cultural and people-to-people ties” between the two countries. This will be PM Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan, following his earlier trips in 2015, 2016 and 2022. India and Uzbekistan have maintained extensive cooperation through bilateral as well as multilateral platforms. President Mirziyoyev had undertaken a State Visit to India in 2018 and participated in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2019. From Tashkent, PM Modi will proceed to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th SCO Summit, which marks 25 years of the organisation. “India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017. I look forward to advancing India’s vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, 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,” PM Modi said. He is also scheduled to meet Zhaparov and other SCO leaders and attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games. The visit combines diplomatic, strategic and cultural engagements, underlining India’s growing focus on Central Asia. PM Modi said he was confident that the tour would strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in the region, deepen its civilisational connect and promote the shared goals of peace, stability and prosperity.