Prime Minister Modi Begins Official Visit to Uzbekistan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Saturday for a two-day official visit, greeted at the airport by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The leaders are set to engage in delegation-level discussions aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and Uzbekistan. This marks Prime Minister Modi's fourth visit to the country.

Following his arrival, Modi expressed gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for the warm welcome through a post on social media platform X, describing the visit as indicative of the depth and increasing momentum in the bilateral ties between the nations. Shortly after his arrival, he visited the Yangi Uzbekistan Park and laid a wreath at the Independence Monument, alongside President Mirziyoyev. This monument commemorates the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence and symbolises national progress and freedom.

Uzbekistan is the first destination in Modi's two-country tour, which will also include a visit to the Kyrgyz Republic. The primary aim of this visit is to bolster India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and to deepen the long-standing civilisational and cultural connections between India and the region.

During his time in Tashkent, Modi is scheduled to discuss collaboration in key areas such as trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, and energy. He is also expected to explore avenues to advance shared development visions, specifically India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ and Uzbekistan’s ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’.

Moreover, Modi will visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre located at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. This aspect of his visit aims to highlight the close cultural and personal connections between India and Uzbekistan.

Following the events in Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Modi will head to Bishkek to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, invited by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. The discussions at the summit are anticipated to focus on regional stability and cooperation among member states.