Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for a visit to Uzbekistan on Saturday morning. This is a two-day visit; he is traveling to Tashkent at the invitation of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Before leaving for Uzbekistan, PM Modi wrote, “I am embarking on a visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan from August 29 to September 1.” He noted that significant progress has been made in the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership in recent years. “I look forward to discussing with President Mirziyoyev ways to further deepen cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, digital connectivity, defense, and energy, and to advance our shared vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’ (New Uzbekistan).”
He added, “I will also visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, which symbolize the deep cultural and people-to-people ties connecting our two nations.” This will be Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan. During the visit, PM Modi will hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev aimed at further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi will also visit Kyrgyzstan on September 1. He said, “At the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, I will travel to Bishkek to participate in the 26th SCO Summit. This summit marks the completion of 25 years of this important organization.” He noted that India has been an active member of the SCO since 2017. “I look forward to advancing India’s vision for the region—based on security, connectivity, and opportunity—and working with other members towards a region free from the evils of terrorism, separatism, and extremism. These evils pose a threat to peace and stability in our neighborhood and beyond.”
PM Modi further stated, “I also look forward to meeting President Japarov and other SCO leaders, and attending the opening ceremony of the 6th ‘World Nomad Games’.” “This is a celebration of the rich and vibrant heritage of Central Asia, which India deeply respects.” The Prime Minister also stated that this visit would strengthen India’s strategic partnership with Central Asia, deepen our civilizational ties with the region, and advance our shared efforts towards peace, stability, and prosperity. These are the values that lie at the core of India’s engagement with the world.
