PM Modi Lands in Bishkek After Key Uzbekistan Deals
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit after concluding a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan that produced agreements on trade, uranium supplies, digital payments and strategic cooperation.
Modi Arrives in Bishkek for SCO Summit
Modi reached Bishkek on Sunday evening ahead of the SCO leaders’ summit beginning Monday.
The meeting will bring together leaders from major Eurasian countries, with regional security, terrorism, connectivity and economic cooperation expected to dominate discussions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has also arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the summit. Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several participating leaders on the sidelines.
India-Uzbekistan Ties Upgraded in Tashkent
During talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, India and Uzbekistan elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two countries set a target of increasing annual bilateral trade from more than $1 billion currently to $5 billion by 2030.
Eleven agreements were concluded covering sectors including mining, tourism and wider economic cooperation. Both sides also agreed to expand collaboration in defence, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, healthcare and education.
Uzbekistan, India Plan Long-Term Uranium Supplies
A major outcome was the decision to establish a long-term arrangement for Uzbekistan to supply uranium to India, strengthening cooperation in civil nuclear energy and critical minerals.
The two governments are expected to formalise the uranium arrangement shortly.
Uzbekistan also announced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens and confirmed the rollout of India’s UPI digital payments system.
During the visit, Modi was conferred with Uzbekistan’s highest state honour for foreign leaders, the Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik Order.
