Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic from August 29 to September 1, with strengthening India’s strategic and economic engagement with Central Asia high on the agenda. He will begin his four-day trip in Tashkent, where he will meet Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for talks on expanding bilateral cooperation.
The discussions are expected to focus on trade and investment, critical minerals, defence, healthcare, energy, digital connectivity, education and technology. India and Uzbekistan are also likely to explore greater cooperation in pharmaceuticals, space, information technology and business-to-business partnerships.
Modi will then travel to Bishkek to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. At the meeting, he is expected to underline India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity while holding bilateral meetings with leaders of SCO member countries. He will also attend the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games.
Modi’s Uzbekistan Visit to Focus on Strategic Partnership
Modi will hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on August 29 and 30. The visit comes at the invitation of the Uzbek President and will be Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan and his second bilateral visit to the country.
The two leaders are expected to review the full range of India-Uzbekistan cooperation and discuss ways to deepen their strategic partnership. Key areas will include trade, investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties.
They are also expected to discuss cooperation linked to India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and Uzbekistan’s Uzbekistan-2030 development strategy.
Trade and Critical Minerals on the Agenda
Economic ties are expected to feature prominently during Modi’s talks in Tashkent. India and Uzbekistan are looking to expand trade, attract investment and create more opportunities for businesses from both countries.
India is among Uzbekistan’s top 10 trading partners, with bilateral trade and investments together approaching $1 billion. Critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, information technology and other technology sectors are expected to receive particular attention.
The two countries are also exploring cooperation in space and other emerging technologies as they seek to broaden their economic relationship.
More Than 16,000 Indian Students in Uzbekistan
Education and people-to-people links remain an important part of bilateral relations. More than 16,000 Indian students are currently studying in Uzbekistan, while four Indian university campuses have been established there.
Indian companies have also invested in sectors including pharmaceuticals, amusement parks, automobile components and education, reflecting the growing commercial relationship between the two countries.
Modi to Visit Shastri Memorial and Gandhi Centre
During his stay in Tashkent, Modi is expected to visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
His programme will also include a banquet lunch hosted by President Mirziyoyev. The visit is expected to reinforce the close and expanding strategic partnership between India and Uzbekistan.
Modi to Attend SCO Summit in Bishkek
After completing his Uzbekistan engagements, Modi will travel to Bishkek from August 31 to September 1 to attend the 26th SCO Summit at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.
The summit comes as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation marks 25 years since its establishment. India became a full member of the grouping in 2017 after holding observer status since 2005.
Security and Connectivity Key to India’s SCO Agenda
At the SCO Summit, Modi is expected to highlight India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity. He will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders of SCO member states on the sidelines.
The SCO now has 10 member states, along with dialogue partners and observers. While the grouping was initially focused on tackling terrorism, separatism and extremism, its areas of cooperation have expanded to include broader regional and economic issues.
India’s engagement with the SCO has been guided by the SECURE framework outlined by Modi at the 2018 SCO Summit. The framework covers Security, Economy and Trade, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environment.
