PM Modi Arrives in Uzbekistan as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Welcomes Him at Tashkent Airport

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent late Saturday as part of a two-nation visit to Central Asia, with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally welcoming him at the airport.

Modi thanked Mirziyoyev for the “special gesture” and said his fourth visit to Uzbekistan reflected the growing momentum and depth of India-Uzbekistan relations.

The Indian Prime Minister's aircraft reportedly took a longer route through Chinese airspace because Pakistani airspace remains closed to Indian aircraft, according to people familiar with the matter.

Modi Begins Uzbekistan Visit

Soon after reaching Tashkent, Modi paid tribute at Yangi Uzbekistan Park by laying a wreath, highlighting the longstanding friendship between India and Uzbekistan.

Ahead of his departure from New Delhi, Modi said the visit would focus on strengthening India's strategic partnerships in Central Asia and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

His discussions with President Mirziyoyev are expected to cover trade, investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy.

Modi is also expected to discuss ways to advance the shared development visions of “Viksit Bharat” and “Yangi Uzbekistan”.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will also visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.

India-Uzbekistan Relations

India and Uzbekistan have expanded their strategic partnership in recent years, with cooperation growing across several sectors.

Uzbekistan is a partner country in the BRICS grouping, which is currently chaired by India. India is also among Uzbekistan’s top 10 trading partners.

Defence cooperation has strengthened through joint military activities, including the seventh edition of the Dustlik exercise held in April this year.

People-to-people ties are also significant. Uzbekistan is the third-largest source country for medical tourists visiting India and has a sizeable Indian community.

More than 18,000 Indians are estimated to live in Uzbekistan, including around 16,000 medical students.

Modi to Attend SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan

Following his two-day Uzbekistan visit, Modi is scheduled to travel to Bishkek on August 31 to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

The summit coincides with the SCO’s 25th anniversary.

Modi said India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since joining the organisation in 2017. He is expected to promote India's regional priorities centred on “Security, Connectivity and Opportunity”.

He also highlighted the need for SCO members to work toward a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism.

Meetings With Putin and Other Leaders

During the SCO gathering, Modi is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and several other participating leaders.

A meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected on the sidelines of the summit.

Modi will additionally attend the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games, which celebrates the cultural heritage and traditions of Central Asia.

The two-nation visit is expected to provide India with an opportunity to deepen strategic, economic and diplomatic engagement with Central Asian partners while strengthening cooperation through the SCO framework.