Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan from August 29 to September 1, 2026, as India looks to strengthen its relations with Central Asian countries. The visit will focus on regional security, trade, connectivity, technology, energy, and economic opportunities.
During the visit, PM Modi is expected to highlight India’s vision for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). India has been an active member of the SCO since 2017 and has regularly supported efforts to promote peace, stability, and development among member countries.
A major focus of India’s approach is to make Central Asia safer and more peaceful by working together against terrorism and other security threats. India is also expected to push for better connectivity and stronger economic links between the countries in the region.
PM Modi’s Visit to Uzbekistan
PM Modi will first travel to Uzbekistan, where he is expected to hold talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The two leaders will discuss ways to further improve the relationship between India and Uzbekistan.
Their discussions are likely to cover several important areas, including trade, investment, digital technology, defence, energy, and other economic sectors. Both countries have been working to increase cooperation, and the visit is expected to create new opportunities for businesses and investors.
India and Uzbekistan also share strong historical and cultural connections. During his visit to Tashkent, PM Modi plans to visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre. These visits are expected to highlight the close cultural and historical relationship between the two countries.
The two sides may also discuss ways to increase people-to-people contacts, educational exchanges, tourism, and cultural cooperation.
Participation in the SCO Summit
After completing his Uzbekistan visit, PM Modi will travel to Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th SCO Summit. Leaders from SCO member countries will gather to discuss important regional and global issues.
Security is expected to remain one of the major topics at the summit. India has repeatedly stressed the need for countries to work together against terrorism, extremism, and other threats to regional peace.
PM Modi is also expected to discuss the importance of improving connectivity and economic cooperation between India and Central Asian countries. Better transport links, digital connectivity, trade routes, and investment can help increase economic opportunities across the region.
Meeting with Kyrgyzstan’s President
During his stay in Kyrgyzstan, PM Modi will meet President Sadyr Zhaparov. The two leaders are expected to review bilateral relations and discuss opportunities for closer cooperation.
India and Kyrgyzstan have developed cooperation in areas such as education, defence, healthcare, culture, and economic relations. The meeting could provide an opportunity to expand cooperation in these areas and explore new partnerships.
PM Modi is also scheduled to attend the opening of the 6th World Nomad Games, an international sporting and cultural event that celebrates the traditional heritage of nomadic communities.
Focus on Peace and Development
India sees Central Asia as an important region for its foreign policy because of its strategic location and growing economic importance. Stronger relations with countries in the region can help India expand trade, improve connectivity, and cooperate on security and energy issues.
PM Modi’s visit is therefore expected to strengthen India’s partnerships with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other Central Asian countries. It will also give India an opportunity to promote its vision of a peaceful, secure, connected, and prosperous Central Asia.
Overall, the four-day visit is expected to deepen diplomatic, economic, security, and cultural ties between India and Central Asia while strengthening cooperation through the SCO.